The recruiting process can be daunting for all athletes, regardless of sport. Luckily, no matter what sport you play, there are ways to simplify your recruiting process as well. Here are 6 tips to lighten your load.

Put Together a Target a List of Schools

Compile a realistic list of schools that you are interested in. Academic guidelines are different for each college, so do your research. You will want to keep in mind your academic level and athletic talent. Start with a list of 15 schools and narrow your way down. Take note: if your list of schools is small, then your chances of earning a scholarship will be extremely low.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Contact Information for the Coaches

You will need to be diligent in collecting and organizing coach information. Collect email addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles for all coaches. Email the following information to the coaches. 

•    Resume – Write a professional resume; make sure your thoughts are organized. You will want to be detailed with your statistics and accolades. You will need to update weekly or bi-weekly. Include a copy of your high school transcripts and test scores. Calculate your chances of getting into college?

•    Highlight Video – You will want to get on as many coach's radars as possible. Having high-quality skills highlight video will help. Include a link to that video as a part of your resume. An excellent resource for making a highlight video is Hudl.

Communication with the Coaches

•    You can reach out to a coach at any time, keep in mind a coach has to follow the NCAA rules on when they may reach back out to you. It's up to you to stay up to date with the NCAA recruiting calendar to understand those times. You can communicate through email, social media, and a phone call.

•    The Ice hockey recruiting process can be tricky; offers can be taken off the table for various reasons, so it's crucial to stay in good standings with all coaches. Respond to every coach that replies to your email, do this in a timely manner.

•    As you communicate with coaches, get familiar with their school and sports programs. You should do this so you can ask informed questions and will be able to explain why you are interested in their school.

•    Prepare for calls with coaches ahead of time. Have a list of questions for the coaches and be prepared for questions that coaches might ask. 

Summer Camps and Showcases are a Must (Depending on Your Sport)

•    Camps and showcases will help you with gaining exposure from the coaches who are specifically there to watch you.

•    Most of the college coaches who attend camps and showcases are there only to watch players they have already had contact with. If you want to get a specific coaches radar then notify him/her before the camp or showcase. 

•    If a coach talks to you or your parents at a camp or showcase, you will want to make sure that you follow up with that coach by calling or emailing them in a timely manner. 

• Some sports (like track and cross country) don't require camps and showcases as a part of the recruiting process. Be sure to do your homework!

Related: Using Coach Ratings to Choose a College Team

Academic Requirements

•    The first step is you must register with the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers to be cleared for athletic scholarships.

•    Research which core courses you must take and the grades you must earn to be academically eligible. The next step would be to arrange your academic calendar around these requirements.

•    Research which exams you must take and the minimum score requirements.

•    Stay on top of the NCAA and NAIA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

Know the NCAA and NAIA Rules and Regulations

•    Know all the rules that apply to you based on your year in high school.

•    Know exactly how coaches can contact you and how you can contact coaches. The rules are different for both. 

•    Read the NCAA and NAIA Guide. 

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* Originally published on June 20, 2022, by Keirsten Sires