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.

Coach Megan Wagenaar coached the Concordia Tornados cross country and track and field teams for five years and she really hit the ground running last season—Coach Wagenaar's athletes took home five individual track titles and five made the USTFCCCA West All-Region team. We slowed down a bit to get her thoughts on the recruiting process and how you can come out on top. Here's her best advice.

What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit? 

Willingness to be coached.

What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

Email or call me directly. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way?

By email or phone, any time of the year, during their junior or senior year. 

What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?

3.0 in the classroom, on time, and at every practice/meet. 

What are the do's and dont's of being recruited?

Don't think that you will get an athletic scholarship. It is a huge turn-off to coaches when the student only asks about if they will receive an athletic scholarship. 

Related: Recruiting Terminology: Top 10 Terms Recruits Need to Know

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Know what you want as an athlete. Running DIII, you will most likely have a bigger impact on your team. You can really get the chance to be a stand-out athlete. Running DII or DI, you will more likely have larger teams [and] unless you are in the top 5, will not receive much attention. 

What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape? 

Well run races, consistency, and competitiveness. 

Related: 7 Recruiting Tips for Potential D3 Athletes

What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

Make sure that you include how fast (what time) you ran the race.

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?

Film races, not practice. 

Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]

Image Credit: Concordia Athletics

* Originally published on January 23, 2023, by 2aDays Staff