Head field hockey coach Kaitlyn Eager is in her sixth season with the Franklin & Marshall field hockey program. In her first season, the Spartans record was 13-6, including a 4-2 record in the Capital Athletic Conference and she's only improved from there. Coach Eager has since led the Diplomats to the NCAA Tournament three times, including a runner-up finish in 2019 and a 2017 final four finish. Here are her best tips for winning your recruiting process.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Positive attitude, good work ethic, and good character. These things will mesh well with our program's philosophies.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Have them send me an email with information on themselves and events they are attending.
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When should an athlete contact you, and what is the best way?
Recruits may start contacting me their freshman year and beyond. Email is the best way to get in touch with me and any time of the year works.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?
We have high expectations to excel in the classroom and put academics first. In the weight room and on the field we hope you come in with a strong base that will allow for growth and the mindset to continue to get better every day.
There are so many great schools out there that offer amazing opportunities. You will find one that is the right fit and works for your interests.
-Kaitlyn Eager
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Please keep in touch with me as much as possible and be honest with your interest. There are so many amazing colleges out there and we understand you are looking at other places. Just be honest with us as to where we fall on your list of schools as you are making your decisions.
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What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Visit the colleges you are most interested in multiple times and be sure to meet the teams. This will give you the best sense as to where you might fit.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Athleticism, speed, overall fitness, good attitude, and determination to get the ball back if they lost it or made a mistake.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels?
After their fall season during their sophomore and junior years. It would also be good to add to it after club tournaments. I don't think highlight reels have to be anything fancy but just a good capture of everything you want to present to the college you are interested in.
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?
There are so many great schools out there that offer amazing opportunities. You will find one that is the right fit and works for your interests. If you don't gain the recruiting attention you desire, you need to weigh what things are most important to you in a school and what is going to make you the happiest.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I would just reiterate to all athletes that what you put on social media is out there forever. Make sure that everything is always private. Don't put anything on there that you wouldn't want your grandparents to see.
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* Originally published on October 14, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
