The recruiting process can be hard to navigate. One important thing to remember is that exposure is key if you want to get to the next level in anything you do, especially in the sports world.
Think of Sports Recruiting like Applying for a Job
If you were trying to level up in a job or career, you wouldn't just sit around and do nothing while your competition works hard to get an interview. You would be sending in applications, messaging people on LinkedIn, going to career fairs, and putting your best foot forward to get the chance to connect with people that are in the position or company you would like to work at.
College recruiting is similar to a job. In order to grow and play at a higher level, you should be putting yourself in a position to get seen in as many ways as possible and networking with everyone you can.
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What ID Camps Provide
ID camps will allow more coaches to see your potential by providing a network of people in one location. It is also a chance to see your competition and see different players that are at a similar level to you. You can make new friendships and meet athletes that have gone through similar experiences, while sizing up the competition and seeing where you need to improve.
Depending on what sport you play, an integral part of the ID camp is getting advice from coaches on how to navigate the recruiting process and how to improve as an athlete. For example, at College Soccer Academy, the camp consists of four different stations: small-sided games, final 3rd/shooting, coaches' choice, and a classroom session where you learn about the NCAA rules and recruiting information and tips.
Camps are a two-way street; they are there to benefit you, your parents, and the coaches. Here, you will be equipped with the necessities to succeed and accomplish your goal of playing at the highest levels.
Related: College ID Camps and How to Crush It
Different Types of ID Camps
There are two main types of college camps you can attend:
1. Multiple-School Camps
Camps with more than one coach in attendance are highly recommended for athletes who have never talked to a college coach. It provides exposure to many coaches at once and can help narrow down your search. These will allow you to figure out what you do and don't like in a coach in one sweep.
2. School-Specific Camps
Once you have figured out which schools pique your interest, school-specific camps give you a greater chance of being recognized at the school of your choice. You can locate these camps on the prospective school's college athletics page.
Related: Recruiting Horror Stories: The Vacation That Wasn't a Vacation
All ID camps vary in costs depending on how prestigious a school is, but attending these camps will help you reach your full potential. So get out of your comfort zone, sign up for some ID camps, and define your future
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* Originally published on February 23, 2022, by Daesha Harper
