If you need advice on your recruiting process regardless of your sport, look no further than Boston University Swimming and Diving Coach Bill Smyth. Entering his 18th year coaching, Smyth has guided a total of 124 athletes to individual conference champions and has the unique accolade of coaching his athletes to break every BU men's and women's school record since his inaugural season in 2005. 2aDays sat down with Coach Smyth to help you learn how to navigate your recruiting process and come out on top.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Fit. Looking for do they fit your athletic criteria, academic criteria, culture, ability to improve and camaraderie with the current team.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
By filling out our athletic questionnaire as completely as possible.
Related: 5 Important Email Tips During the Recruitment Process
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way?
Earliest should be a month before their junior year begins all the way through the end of their junior year. Email is best initially, soon followed by phone calls on their end.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and in the pool?
Classroom: tough curriculum with more A's than B's on the transcript. Some weight room experience is preferred without being too sophisticated. Swimming expectations are double practices 8-10x per week for most of high school / club career.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
DO: Make a positive impression on the coaches and team on every communication and contact. DON'T: Assume anything. Ask any questions that come to mind during the process.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Visit the schools and coaches you're interested in during your spring break, summer vacation and free time during your junior year. Whittle down to your top 5 by the end of your junior year.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Stroke technique jumps out at me, as well as kicking ability and turns.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
We don't see “highlight tape,” we see race videos.
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?
This happens all the time. Be ready for backups, and backups for the backups.
Related: Recruiting Rejection Happens: 3 Tips to Help Recruits Cope With Being Turned Down
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
It's a fairly big factor. I don't research their social media habits, but please remember that any tweet or post is in many ways permanent.
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* Originally published on November 24, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
