Come back every Monday for Coaching Staff's Advice on the college recruiting process, what they look for in athletes, and what to expect as a college athlete.
Chris Baudo has been coaching at Nazareth College since 2017 and his resume just keeps expanding. Since then, the Golden Flyers women's hockey team has won a UCHC title, qualified for NCAA Nationals, and even pulled off a perfect 20-0 season in 2020-21.
Coaches like Chris Baudo have high expectations for their elite programs, but getting on their radar is far from impossible. Here are Coach Baudo's tips to help you do so:
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Character.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
E-mail.
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
Junior year. E-mail. With video.
Related: Want to Wow Recruiters? Remember these 7 Components of an Effective Email to a Coach
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the ice?
Work ethic, purpose and character in all three areas.
The right school is out there. Keep working to find it.
-Chris Baudo
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Be responsive to emails or calls. Be honest about where a school fits. Be ready to ask questions about the school and program. Be prepared, having done research on the school.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be sincere.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Fundamental skill set and compete level.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Do break it down into clips of your shifts. Do not send just goal-scoring videos.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
Use film from the entire season. Give a true perspective.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
The right school is out there. Keep working to find it. Do not sacrifice academics much to find the best hockey fit.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Be you. If you are someone who does the stuff you show on social media, then feel free to do it. We likely do not want you to engage in questionable behaviors, but at least we know who you are as a human.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
Image Credit: Nazareth Athletics
* Originally published on January 2, 2023, by 2aDays Staff
