Going through the track and field recruiting process is not easy. So who better to ask for tips than athletes who have been there before? Here are the five best pieces of advice about the recruiting process from former Colorado track athlete, Gabby Scott, in her own words. Regardless of the sport you play, there's something helpful for everyone here.

Make a List

Make a list of the schools that you want to attend. You should have about 15 schools on your list. Trust me, you will narrow them down quicker than you think. Some things you should keep in mind is what division you can see yourself at, the location, the culture of the school, and does the school have your major? You need to research the marks of current athletes to see your potential for making the team and what your immediate impact would be like upon arrival. Also, check to see how many athletes that are in your event will be graduating in the next year or two. If most of the team is relatively young, the chances are that the coach will not be recruiting much. Be sure to put your reach schools on your list, because you never know what a coach is looking for. You will be surprised when you narrow things down what schools will be your top choices! 

Related: Rate the University of Colorado Boulder

Keep the Primary Approach Short and Sweet

Your first email to a coach should be straight to the point. Introduce yourself, include your name, age, academic year. Then you will want to list your events along with your personal bests. If possible, include a highlight video of you competing. A coach may see things they can improve on, or they may see footage of you competing and see a strength that you did not see in yourself. It is imperative to leave the best contact number for the coach to reach you at. The email will be short, but be sure that your interest in the school and program is strongly illustrated.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Stand Out

There are thousands of track athletes who are ranked top in the nation, so you will have to find a way to stand out. One way is to showcase your personality when communicating with the coach. You can reach out to the coach to chat about the recruiting process, and this is where your character can come out. Be respectful, ask questions to show that you are interested in their program. Most importantly, do not brag about other schools that you are looking at, do not compare schools to the coach that you are talking to. Again be pleasant, respectful, and speak up. 

Be Financially Aware

Finances are not always a pleasant topic for a high school recruit, but it will need to be addressed. It is very rare to receive a full-ride scholarship in track and field. When coaches start the recruiting process, make sure you include your family in the conversation to be fully aware of what will and won't work. Know how much help you will be needing before talking to a coach, you need to be honest with a coach if you need financial assistance, and he will have to know the “number.” More often than not, they will be able to give you suggestions or direct you to a financial advisor at the school who can help. Be realistic, but don't let a dollar sign make you think you're out of the game!

Behave on Official Visits 

Official visits are a chance for recruits to see the campus and to get an inside look at how the program operates and meet the people involved. However, it's also a chance for the coaches and potential teammates to see who you are off the track. Be smart on your visits. Partake in the host's activities but understand that every choice, negative or positive, could affect your offer to that particular school. It would be best if you were yourself on the visit. Don't feel the need to “act cool” because this could backfire on you. The coach will ask his team what they thought of you. Leave a good impression so that the feedback is positive, and therefore the coach wants you. Lastly, ask questions and express any concerns you may have. After all, the college will be your home away from home for the next four years.

Another pro tip: Refrain from alcohol and acting out; it will get back to the coach.

There is no need to experience that “wow, I wish I knew that before” feeling during the recruiting process. I sincerely hope these tips will help you prepare for the recruiting process and decide on your college future. Good luck!

Image Credit: University of Colorado Athletics
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* Originally published on June 23, 2022, by Gabby Scott