Jennifer Jacobs just entered her sixth year as head coach of the Augustana University and has already made waves in a short amount of time, posting a record of 72-48 coming into the season. Here are her best tips to win your recruiting process.

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

We look for versatile athletes but more importantly, we look for good people and good teammates.

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

Emailing video works, otherwise we see players at club tournaments throughout the year.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

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

An athlete can contact us at any time, they just need to be aware of the NCAA contact rules we are bound by along with understanding when we are in season vs. out of season (so not to get discouraged if we don't connect back with them right away).

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

Our incoming players need to be in the best shape possible coming into season. We cannot waste time during preseason “getting into shape.” Our institution is highly academic so taking care of their grades is also extremely important.

What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?

Do: Your research on programs and schools and be open to all the divisions (DI, DII, DIII etc). Oftentimes we will try to recruit a kid and she will say “I want to go DI” when the reality is as a DII school, we can beat a lot of DI teams out there. Do look for the right “fit” for YOU school and volleyball-wise. Don't feel pressured by outside forces to make a commitment decision early. So often we see kids who felt pressure either from friends, parents, or other volleyball programs to make decisions quickly. TAKE YOUR TIME.

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Be yourself, do the research, ask questions, follow your heart and gut….they always know the way.

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

Athleticism and presence on the court.

Related: Volleyball Highlight Tape Tips

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

I don't prefer skills videos but others do. I prefer a stationary camera at eye level height on the end line of a court. Don't move the camera around or follow the ball. That makes us dizzy!

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?

I don't prefer highlight reels either—I know if a kid can hit high enough for our level in two swings. I want to see an athlete play the whole game, not 15 kills in a row…everyone at our level can do that.

What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?

There is always a place to play for everyone who wants to play. Be realistic about your ability and don't be discouraged if it's not their dream school. Sometimes we end up in better situations when we are rejected from things we think we wanted.

How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?

Be SMART. We can see everything. Just realize your interactions on social media are an insight to who you are as a person.

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* Originally published on October 12, 2022, by 2aDays Staff