The recruiting process can be daunting, and it seems like there can be mistakes made at every turn. Of course there are small mistakes like not responding to a coach on time, but there are bigger mistakes that may cause your collegiate career to not go the way you want. Here are five to avoid:
- Picking a school only for the coach
Don't get me wrong, picking a school with the right coach can be make or break for someone's college career, but you shouldn't pick a school just because of the coach. There are so many other things to consider like location, team camaraderie, academics and more. Plus, what if the coach goes somewhere else before you get there, or after your first year? Seems like you'd be out of luck.
- Not taking into consideration what the team thinks of a coach
On the flip side of the first mistake, you're going to want to pick a school where the coach is liked and respected. That is going to take some research and asking some questions from the team. Luckily, 2aDays offers ratings for many college coaches across all divisions and sports. Check them out in the link below!
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
- Picking the wrong division for you
In high school,everyone always thinks Division I is the place to be, but many do not know what they're going into. They could be walking into a coach that is loathed by the team, or a team that practices over the NCAA's 20-hour rule. Do not be afraid to ask around the team you're being recruited by to really know what you're getting into.
- Going too far or too close to home
The location of a school can really make a difference with the kind of college experience you want to have. Of course for most people, getting away from your hometown sounds kind of nice, but do you want to go across the country? Just remember, as an athlete, you really only have time to go home for breaks depending on what season your sport is, so that could be true for a school that is 100 miles away, or 1,000 miles away.
Related: 22 Signs a University May or May Not Be the Right Atmosphere for You
- Not visiting a school before you sign
This may seem like a no brainer, but with recruiting regulations changing by the year, allowing athletes to commit earlier and earlier, some are bypassing the official visit stage. The official visit is a great way to meet the team, the coaches, and overall feel the vibe of everything on campus. If that vibe feels off, then maybe it isn't the school for you.
There are so many more recruiting mistakes that athletes can make. Of course, it isn't the end of the world, but it may result in a collegiate career ending prematurely, or the athlete not being happy with their choice.
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* Originally published on May 11, 2022, by Kyle Haflich
