For most parents, college will mark the first time that their child will be apart from their family for an extended period of time. For athletes, finding the right school is often crucial and parents can make or break their recruiting process. Today, I will offer some advice to parents on what they should do when helping their children with recruiting.
What's Smart For Me To Do (Green Lights)?
- Prepare questions for unofficial and official visits. You want to obviously be involved, but definitely not overly involved.
Related: 4 Red Flags to Look Out for on Official Visits
- Help brainstorm with your child. Prepare them as if this was a job interview. Make sure your child knows about the respective campus, the team community, alumni etc..You want them to be as prepared as possible for their official or unofficial visit.
What Should I Avoid (Red Lights)?
- Do not, and I repeat do not, contact college coaches. The athlete should be heading this communication and should be advocating for themselves in as many ways as possible. Phone calls, emails, etc. should be between the student and the coach. Simply put, parents should act as a support system and should be the liaison between the coach and the student. This is a critical role for the parent(s).
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
- You can encourage your child and speak well of them when coaches are around, but do not call coaches and boast to them. This will be a red-flag to most coaches.
The Final Verdict
The recruiting process can be an exciting time for athletes and their families alike. However, it is critical to let your child take ownership, while you stand back offering as much support as possible. A strong support system can make a world of difference in the recruiting process so be sure to support your child without stifling them.
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* Originally published on December 13, 2022, by Nicholas Nathanson
