Thanksgiving might be right around the corner, but it's never a bad time to think about how you can put your best foot forward when it comes to recruiting and get what you want. Today, 2aDays sat down with East Carolina University Swimming & Diving Coach Matthew Jabs for his best recruiting tips.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
A desire to be better. As a coach if you have athletes that are self driven, with a true willingness to put in the work to be great. Great things will be accomplished as a team.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Very simple, shoot us an email, or fill out our online questionnaire.
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When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
We are always open to adding prospects to our lists. Typically we start putting names together the summer before Junior year in HS. Email & online questionnaires are typically the best way to reach us.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and in the pool?
We are looking for students who are driven and understand the importance of doing well in the classroom. Every club program treats dryland work differently, an ability to successfully move your bodyweight out of the water, (pullups, pushups, etc.) is a good foundation we can build from. In the pool we are looking for swimmers who fall between NCSA Nationals & NCAA B cuts.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do your research. Go online and look at top times lists, and meet results to determine if you realistically fit in. Be open, honest and realistic with what you are looking for. Make your decision based on where you can contribute and be a factor within the program/conference.
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What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Make sure the decision is your own. Take advice from those closest to you, but at the end of the day you must be happy. Make sure your school meets 1. Your academic needs. 2. Your athletic goals, and 3. Is a place where you can grow as a person.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
We look at different things in different strokes. But generally speaking we like to see real races, & clear footage is also important so we can see the details of your stroke.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
The race you choose to send needs to show us your ability to race under stress, against strong competition. A regular season high school race where you are 25 yards ahead of the competition tells us almost nothing.
Related: From Social Media to Highlight Tapes: 11 Recruiting Tips From a D1 Swim Coach
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?
At the biggest meets of your season/s. Typically that is where we will see your best.
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?
Be realistic with your search. Swimming is a sport in which you want to compete. Seven months of hard training without the opportunity to compete & contribute isn't fun. There is a “right fit” for everyone. As you search, keep your options open, someplace you never thought of may surprise you.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Be smart. Think before you send/post. You have a lot at stake. The messages you put out there are being looked at by coaches. One ill-advised tweet, or post can be the difference between being offered an opportunity or not.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on November 18, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
