The recruiting process includes many steps, and becoming a well-rounded athlete is an important one. But did you know that in order for an athlete to be noticed, simply playing a sport well isn't enough? Combining other pieces of the recruiting puzzle, like highlight videos and camps, is crucial for a recruit to form their own platform to gain the attention of their favorite coaches. However, each of these pieces costs money, which can begin to add up over the time of the somewhat lengthy recruiting process. Here are just a few of the costs associated with the recruiting process.
Related: Do ID Camps Increase Your Chances of Getting Recruited?
- Equipment
A must-have for playing any sport is equipment. Whether it be a baseball bat, a football helmet, or simply sport-appropriate shoes, equipment is necessary to play any sport. Most of the time, it is the athlete's responsibility to obtain equipment required and depending on the type of equipment, prices can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars.
- Showcase Events and Camps
Did you know that if a college coach knows an outstanding athlete will be attending a particular showcase, that coach may make a special point to attend simply to watch the one athlete in action? That's why showcase events and camps can be very beneficial if you want to gain the attention of college coaches. These events also provide athletes the opportunity to be noticed by coaches who may not have been aware of the athlete before the event. But exposure comes at a price–showcases and camps can range anywhere from $100-$500 before travel costs are added.
- Highlight Reels
Depending on your sport, a highlight reel can be a very important piece of the recruiting journey. This video showcases an athlete's skills and abilities on the field, court, etc. and is usually viewed by coaches or members of the coaching staff to assess whether or not the athlete has the skills required to play at a particular college or university. While highlight reels or videos can be made independently, if the athlete chooses to have one done professionally, the cost can range up to $1,000 or $1,500.
Related: Lights, Camera, Action! 4 Tips for Creating a Highlight Video That Will Wow Recruiters
- Official Visits
Official visits to a college or university are almost always free for the athlete, including travel. Once a coach or coaching staff has been made aware of the athlete and both parties are interested, the next step usually involves an official visit by the athlete to the university to see the facilities and meet with the coaching staff in-person. Assuming family members have an interest in also attending the official visit, they usually must provide their own travel/travel expenses. These expenses can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the length of travel.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
- Recruiting Services
Recruiting services bridge the gap between a recruit and a college and help form the early stages of the recruiting process. Some athletes, especially ones who may be shy and not have as many connections to a college, may choose to invest in a recruiting service to aid them. Varying in offerings, recruiting services can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Private Lessons
Some recruits may choose to pursue private lessons to enhance their athletic skills and abilities. Private lessons have become increasingly popular in recent years, as the competition level for being recruited continues to rise. Most athletes take private lessons at least once and sometimes multiple times a week. While rates of instructors can vary, the cost per lesson can add up, equaling thousands of dollars per year.
Related: Flaws in the Recruiting Process: Is Club The Only Way?
In order for a recruit to have a successful recruiting process, sometimes additional costs must be factored in. Through each of these activities, athletes can build their platform, hopefully gaining the attention of a college coach. While these parts of the recruiting journey do cost money, they may alter the future course of a young person's athletic career. So be sure to do your best and budget accordingly.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on August 3, 2022, by Caleb Myers
