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.
Entering her second year as head coach of UNC Gymnastics, Danna Durante has already led the program to new heights from her start with the program. During her first year at UNC, she helped the team capture their first NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championship regional berth since 2017. Here's her best advice for athletes looking to springboard into their college careers.
- What is the right age for athletes to begin contacting college coaches?
We have seen athletes of different ages contacting us at different points, but the happy medium we have found that seems to work best for us and for the athlete is the range of 15-17 years old. This group of individuals has more experience, they have more ability to prioritize what they want in a college or university, and there is less time between when they commit to the university and when they arrive as a student, so coaching changes or injuries are less likely. It also allows the conversations that take place to be at more of an adult level, rather than adolescence; those are very different conversations.
Related: Rate the University of North Carolina
- What is the best way for athletes to contact you?
A lot of athletes email, but we get tons of emails every day. Sometimes, it can be hard to see every email. If the athlete is on the coaching staff's radar, we will also track them down and communicate with their coach. For this set of athletes, we will also travel to their gym to watch them practice and compete. There may be athletes that reach out first, if the college hasn't reached out, but usually, the coaching staff and college will reach out first if they know the athlete is at a level where they would be ready to continue their athletic career at UNC. Emails are great, though, because it does provide us with their information. Once we are in connection, though, texting, phone calls, and Zooms provide for further connection.
- What is one thing that really jumps out at you when looking at a recruit's highlight video?
Skill level, of course, jumps out to us in these videos but technique is very important, as well. The way that an athlete demonstrates their skill, and their level of form are also looked at in these videos. We study their positions and movements and try to gauge whether or not any off-movement can be resolved with a little bit of work, or if we will need to back up and work on something in detail if they are recruited to come to UNC. Attitude is also portrayed through these videos and is something we look at using the level of energy present, facial expression, and demeanor. We like to start a video looking at it very widely, and then narrow it down.
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- What is the best way for recruits to get on your radar?
Club coaches reaching out makes the biggest impact for us. This probably makes the biggest impact and usually ensures that the athlete will get in front of us. I would recommend emails, too. A three-pronged approach that we like to see is an email being sent, a phone call or text if they are of the correct age to do so, and their club coach reaching out to us.
Related: Crunched for Time? Why It's Not the End of the World to Start Your Recruiting Process Late
- How big of a factor is social media for you when recruiting?
Social media helps complete the story of an athlete. It gives us more of a picture of who they are. Their social media content also gives us conversation starters. However, sometimes the content we see can be of concern and that will be addressed. Their values, like “Are they family oriented?”, also shine through on their social media channels and help us fill in the pieces and whether or not they will fit in with our culture and help us continue to grow this program.
- What do you see the parent's role being in the recruiting process?
It is important for the parent to encourage and support the athlete, along with talking through questions that athletes should ask coaches and be ready to answer. The parent and student-athlete can help each other stay realistic. The parent has a role, but they need to use restraint in allowing their child to “drive the ship”. The parent should not limit their options, either.
- What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
One of our first topics of conversations with recruits is academics and character. Student-athletes should be academically inclined and their dreams and goals for life are very important to us. We talk a lot about who they are, what they like to do outside of the gym, and how they can enhance our team and culture. We always ask if the student-athlete has a quote or motto that they hold true to, and ask them to explain how they overcame adversity. These questions tell us more about their character and who they are, which is huge for us, while continuing to evaluate their athletic talent and potential.
- What are your expectations for incoming gymnasts in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the floor?
We do find our culture is in a great spot. It is open-minded, growth-minded, and inclusive. We love our culture and have a very diverse group, which we love. Our culture is not only about respecting people for who they are but being curious for who they are. Keeping this open mind allows us to continue to grow, individually, and as a team. Even if we agree to disagree on a subject, we all have one common vision and we will love each other and be great teammates, along with challenging each other to strive for success and supporting each other. Working hard each day and being excited about being challenged is also expected of our athletes.
Related: Character and Coachability: Traits of Recruits That College Coaches Love
- Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you recruit or what you look for in recruits? If so, how?
The recruiting process is simply different than it was previously. Becoming creative through Zoom sessions and video calls, such as FaceTime tours of the gym, became necessary. We used to just “hit the road” previously and everything was in-person. I love the Zoom or FaceTime side of it, now, where our coaching staff can be on one call with the athlete, where each coach talks to the athlete about a different subject. These calls, every couple of weeks, tell us a lot. It allows us to gauge the athlete's interest, and they can understand our interest, too. Over time, these calls become increasingly comfortable, since we try to do them as often as they can, so we can get a real idea of who they are as a person.
- Do you have any advice for a recruit that may consider UNC their dream school but get turned down?
Make sure the athlete casts their net wide. UNC is extremely hard to be admitted to. Look at schools that you would realistically be happy attending. Generally, working hard, both academically and athletically will prepare you for success, whether it be attending UNC or another school. There are opportunities out there, so make sure to look at enough of them and be happy with the choice that you make.
Image Credit: @UNCGymnastics
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on August 15, 2022, by Caleb Myers
