This recruiting diary will follow the point of view of a parent who is currently going through the college recruiting process with her daughter (class of 2025). It will embrace all of the ups and downs that the recruiting process brings for everyone. Make sure you follow along to get the inside scoop on tips and tricks and learn what the emotions are like from a parent's point of view!

September 1

Dana received her first three offers today from Division I schools! We have had people tell us to expect offers on September 1st of her junior year, but I didn't want Dana to get her hopes up (or to get my hopes up). While I know my daughter is talented, I didn't know what to expect on this day. So far, it's been full of joy and so many questions! As a family, we decided to enjoy the offers today and gather our questions through the weekend. We'll call all three coaches next week to ask about specifics, the full offer, and more. We're so excited! 

September 12

We've spoken with all of the coaches (and even had two more offers come in), expressed our concerns, asked our questions, and shared our gratitude. After the initial excitement though, there's a lot to process and understand. The frustrating part of all of this is the money some coaches decided to offer Dana. With her specific position, there's no reason she shouldn't be receiving a full ride, but I feel like these coaches are trying to short-change her. It's hard to talk to her about this because she's so excited, which I understand, but she needs to understand this is her future and her future finances. Right now, we're trying to work through the sometimes taboo conversation of money and have the question “What are you going to do for Dana?” answered. Even through the frustration, these next few months and next year will be an exciting and transformative time.

September 30

Wow, the past month has been a whirlwind. After all the excitement of those offers rolling in, we finally sat down as a family to discuss the nitty-gritty details. I had to bite my tongue when the topic of scholarship money came up. It's like these coaches are trying to play hardball with Dana's future. I get it, they've got budgets and all, but she's worth so much more than what they're offering. I've been reminding her that it's not just about the immediate thrill of getting picked; it's about securing her future, too.

Dana's been handling it like a champ, though. She's focused on the game and the opportunities ahead, but I can't help feeling protective. We've got to make sure she gets what she deserves. It's a tough balance between keeping her spirits high and making sure she's not shortchanged.

October 17

The recruitment process is a rollercoaster ride, that's for sure. We've been diving into every nook and cranny of these offers, comparing them like crazy. Some coaches have been more forthcoming about what they can do for Dana, while others are playing coy. It's frustrating, to say the least. She did get another offer – another Division I school, so that's exciting! 

I've been having these heart-to-heart talks with Dana about the financial side of things. We've got a few more visits lined up, and I'm hoping we find a coach and a program that truly values Dana for all that she brings to the table. It's a tough lesson to learn, but she's tough too. 

November 15

The whirlwind continues! Dana's been fielding more interest, and we're knee-deep in navigating these offers. It's been a whirlwind of discussions and comparisons between schools. The coaches' approaches to scholarship talks are varied; some are more open about what they offer, while others are a bit cryptic. Dana's staying focused on her game, but I've been gently reminding her about the importance of securing a solid financial package for her future. We're lining up a couple more visits, hoping to find the perfect fit – a program that not only appreciates Dana's skills but also respects her value on and off the field. It's a rollercoaster, but she's handling it like a pro.

November 30 

Another DI offer – a full ride this time!! But not to a school Dana wants to attend. This is still a great option to have in her back pocket.

December 12

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. Dana received a full-ride offer from a Division I school recently, and while it's an incredible accomplishment, it's not aligned with her top choices. It's a bittersweet moment—exciting to have such an offer, yet tough knowing it's not the perfect fit. We've been on this rollercoaster, diving into every aspect of these offers, and finding the balance between excitement and practicality.

January 3

As we step into a brand-new year, the excitement and whirlwind of the college recruitment process continues. Dana's journey in the world of college offers and decisions has been both exhilarating and challenging. Despite the incredible offer she received recently—a full-ride scholarship from a Division I school—it wasn't quite the perfect fit she'd envisioned.

There's been a mix of emotions lingering around this latest offer. On one hand, it's an amazing achievement and a testament to her hard work. On the other, the school doesn't align perfectly with her top choices and aspirations. Navigating through these decisions has been quite the rollercoaster for all of us.

We've had heartfelt discussions as a family, weighing the pros and cons of each opportunity. Dana's determination to find the right program—one that values her both as an athlete and a student—remains unwavering. The support she's received from coaches and the interest from various schools continue to fuel her aspirations.

As we head into this new chapter, our focus remains on finding that perfect balance between excitement and practicality. The future holds exciting possibilities, and we're determined to explore every opportunity to ensure Dana's collegiate journey aligns with her ambitions and values. Here's to making thoughtful and informed decisions, embracing challenges, and ultimately finding the perfect fit!

February 6

Exciting news is on the horizon! Dana has officially committed to a college that feels like the perfect fit for her. After much consideration and discussion, she's found a program that values her both athletically and academically—a place where she can thrive both on and off the field. It's a huge weight off our shoulders and a testament to Dana's perseverance and determination throughout this process.

As parents, we couldn't be prouder of Dana's decision and the journey she's taken to get here. It's a reminder that sometimes the perfect fit isn't always obvious at first glance, but with patience, persistence, and a little bit of faith, the right opportunity can reveal itself. Here's to Dana's bright future and the exciting adventures that lie ahead in her collegiate career. Go, Dana!

March 3

Man, what a rollercoaster this past month has been! Dana's college commitment feels like a huge weight off our shoulders, and I couldn't be prouder. Seeing her find a place that's the perfect fit both academically and athletically is like watching a puzzle piece finally click into place. She's worked her butt off, juggling school and sports, and it's awesome to see it pay off.

Let me tell you, this college has really rolled out the red carpet for Dana! They're so stoked to have her on board, and they've made it clear that they're excited to watch her on the field this spring and we're excited to go to campus and watch some games as well! 

As parents, we're over the moon for her. Dana's handled this whole college thing like a boss—seriously, she's been a rockstar. It's a reminder of how resilient and focused she is, even when things get tough.

I'm pumped for Dana's future. There are so many adventures waiting for her, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes her.

*** Check back to see the next diary entry next week!

* Originally published on December 22, 2023, by 2aDays Staff