In a highly competitive field like college sports, it is easy to become discouraged during the recruiting process–there are many factors that go into choosing the right college and even more chances for disappointment. However, with some research and preparation it is possible to maximize your chances of being recruited by a school and succeed once you join their program. It can be easy to get down on yourself if you don't see results right away, but there are ways to stay disciplined throughout the process so that you don't lose focus and give up before your hard work pays off.
Discipline is key in any sport and it's even more important when trying to earn a spot on a team or school's roster. Below are some tips on how to stay disciplined during the college athlete recruiting process, including tips and tricks that have worked for other athletes:
1. Define Your Goals
Many college athletes find the recruiting process to be stressful and overwhelming. It is important to have clear goals in mind in order to stay disciplined throughout the process.
Some things to consider when defining your goals:
- What kind of school do you want to attend?
- What division do you want to compete in?
- What type of program are you looking for?
- What are your academic goals?
- What are your athletic goals?
- How much playing time do you want?
Answering these questions will help you to narrow your focus and stay disciplined throughout the recruiting process.
Related: Monday Motivation: Small Goals Make the Big Goals Come Easier
2. Set a Schedule
If you're anything like most high school athletes, the college recruiting process can be both exhilarating and frustrating. While it's exciting to know that you have the potential to compete at the next level, the process itself can feel overwhelming and stressful.
One of the best ways to stay disciplined during the college recruiting process is to set a schedule and stick to it. This means setting aside time each day or week to focus on your recruiting efforts.
devoting a set amount of time each day or week to your college recruiting process will help you stay motivated and on track.
Creating a schedule will help you stay organized and ensure that you're making the most of your time. It will also help you stay focused on your goals and avoid getting overwhelmed by the process.
When you're setting your schedule, be realistic about how much time you can devote to your recruiting efforts. You don't want to overwhelm yourself or burn out before the process is even over.
3. Stay Organized
It can be difficult to stay motivated during the college athlete recruiting process because it is a long and often stressful process. However, there are a few things you can do to stay organized and motivated.
First, create a timeline of when you need to complete certain tasks (like official visits and standardized tests) in the recruiting process. This will help you stay on track and make sure you are completing everything in a timely manner.
Second, keep a recruiting notebook or binder. This is a great place to store all of your important recruiting information, such as contact information for coaches, timelines, and to-do lists.
Finally, make sure to set aside time each week to work on your recruiting. This may mean making phone calls to coaches, sending emails, or filling out online applications. Dedicating time each week to your recruiting will help you stay on top of the process and motivated to keep going.
If you find yourself without any time to work on your recruiting, or if the process is too stressful and distracting for you to focus on schoolwork, it may be best to take a break. This will allow you to relax and fully enjoy your senior year of high school before heading off to college. You can then come back and start the athlete recruiting process again when it is more convenient for you.
4. Find a Support System
One of the best ways to stay motivated during the college athlete recruiting process is to find a support system. This can be a group of friends, family members, or even a coach. Having people to lean on for support can make a big difference in your motivation levels.
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5. Stay Positive
It can be easy to become discouraged during the college athlete recruiting process. There are so many unknowns and it can be tough to stay positive. Here are a few tips to help you stay positive:
- Believe in yourself. This is probably the most important thing. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.
- Stay focused on your goals. It can be easy to get caught up in the process and forget why you're doing it in the first place. Keeping your goals in mind will help you stay motivated.
- Take things one day at a time. The process can be overwhelming, but if you take it one day at a time, it will be much easier to handle.
Remember that the recruiting process is a long one. It can be easy to get discouraged if you don't see results right away. Just keep working hard, be patient, and stay positive–the right opportunity will come along eventually!
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* Originally published on February 21, 2023, by Kelly Wick
