Need to Transfer?

5 Transfer Portal Tips

It's a position every athlete never wants to be in: the transfer portal. Nobody goes into college imagining that they'll switch schools, but as an athlete, you have to deal with the hand you're dealt. And it's not always a good one. There are many reasons for somebody to enter the transfer portal, but it's essential that athletes know the situation they are getting themselves into. Being in such a spot can feel like you're alone, so the more information you have the better.

Below are a few tips for athletes in the transfer portal to make the experience go a little more smoothly:

1. Make sure you're ready
A decision as big as transferring schools should not be made on a whim. This is something that can impact the course of your life, and you should be 100% certain that it's what you want to do. Additionally, once you enter the portal you are at the mercy of your current school. Even though schools can no longer approve/disapprove players from transferring to certain schools, they can decide how to handle a college athlete's situation while they're still there. They are free to cease your financial aid at the end of the term and are not required to give your scholarship or roster spot back if you remove yourself from the portal.

Related: Knowing When to Transfer

2. If you're not yet in the portal, do not reach out to coaches
A great thing about the transfer portal is that it makes it known far and wide that your recruiting process is open. However, if you're not in the transfer portal, discussing with coaches from other schools can be met with penalties that may jeopardize your future as a college athlete.

3. You are in control of your recruiting once in the portal
You are a free agent when in the portal, and need to manage yourself as such. This means you can receive messages from coaches and choose which ones to follow up on. “Do Not Contact” should only really be turned on once you are sure of where you want to go and have everything in place. It's important to keep every door open during this process.

4. Reach out to every school you can
Speaking of keeping doors open, you should explore every outlet you can when searching for a school to land at. This means reaching out to coaches and people who play at other schools, and making sure all of your information and highlights are easy to find in order for you to be recruited. It's worth noting that you should leave your school on good terms with the staff. Coaches change schools all the time, and it's likely that an old coach might reach out to you if they find themselves in a new place.

5. Keep your composure
The process of transferring is going to feel scary, it's going to feel tiring, and you're going to question your decision at times. It's essential that you keep your head up high and trust in your beliefs, and to have faith that everything will eventually work itself out if you stay motivated. Every college athlete must walk their own path. Some roads are harder than others, but all can be rewarding with perseverance.