One might think that all that goes into track and field and cross country recruiting is just sending your times to your coach. However, there is actually a lot more to the process. Connor Green is the current head coach for the University of Hartford's men's and women's cross country and track and field teams. Previously, he was the assistant coach at Hartford for two years and he coached at the high school level for eight years. Coach Connor Green gave us some great insight into his track and field and cross country recruiting advice and how to best navigate the recruiting system.

1. What are some of the most important qualities you look for in a recruit?

I look for good communication, high academic standards, and kindness.

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

The best way to get on our radar is by doing one of the following:

1) Email

2) Fill out the online questionnaire

3) Call our office line.

Any videos or photos of performances are always recommended.

3. When should an athlete contact you, and what is the best way to contact you? 

Per NCAA rules, junior year is the best time to contact us because we can't speak to recruits until July 1st going into their junior year of high school. You can send emails whenever, but the best way to stay on a coach's radar is to ensure they can actually respond to you. 

I personally like emails. It is an easy way to keep track of conversations, but anything works!

4. What are the must-dos and don'ts for track and field and cross country recruiting? What is the top advice you can offer a recruit?

The must-dos when it comes to recruiting are pretty simple:

1) Communicate with the coaches. This means filling out questionnaires, responding to emails, and scheduling phone calls.

2) Be honest. It is very easy to look up information these days and when we get conflicting information (times or marks), it isn't the best look.

3) Stay on top of deadlines.

4) Ask questions! When you have a chance to get on a call with a coach, have questions ready to go!

5) Actually go to the campus. 

The don'ts are also simple: don't be rude, don't lie, and don't think other coaches don't talk to each other.

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

Show up: to class, to lift, to practice. If you can't make something, are struggling, or are not happy, COMMUNICATE IT! Open lines of communication are the most important thing to me. 

6. What platforms do you use to discover or recruit athletes? 

The most consistent sites we use in the track and field world are Athletic.net, Milesplit, NCSA, and Torch Recruiting.

Image Credit: Hartford Athletics

* Originally published on July 17, 2023, by Bella Nevin