Showcases are a recruit's time to shine. But what if you're headed to a college showcase soon and don't know how to grab the attention of the coach at your dream school? Stand out from the crowd by following these tips for success!
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1. Reach out
Be sure to email the coaches you are interested in talking to before you attend any showcase. Coaches make lists of athletes they are interested in watching play or that have shown interest in their program before going to these events. If you reach out to a coach beforehand, it is much more likely that they will be looking for you at the event. All you need to do then is let your talent shine (and follow the rest of these tips)!
Related: 5 Key Guidelines for Emailing Coaches During the Recruiting Process
2. Introduce yourself
Embrace the awkward small talk between college coaches and prospective recruits! Introducing yourself to the coach helps them to put a name to your face and gives you the opportunity to show your excitement for being there.
3. Come prepared
Bring extra water, snacks for between sessions, gear for all weather (unless its an indoor showcase), sunscreen, and anything else you might need. Showing up prepared to a showcase demonstrates that you care. Plus, if you prepare well, you give yourself your best chance at performing well. Making a checklist of all of your gear and things you need to bring is very helpful for making sure you don't leave anything out!
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4. Be confident
Believe in your abilities, first and foremost. Remember, you are there to showcase your talents and earn the opportunity to play at the higher level–so show off your skills and do your very best in everything you do! Be confident in who you are as well and show your personality while playing and when interacting with others. Coaches aren't just looking for a player. They're looking for well-rounded people and good teammates (if that applies to your sport, of course), so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through and be confident in you.
5. Shake it off
If you do make a mistake, recover gracefully. Coaches know you are not perfect, so don't worry about making mistakes, but remember: coaches pay very close attention to how athletes recover from their mistakes and the best way to rebound from a mistake is to not make it again.
6. Encourage others
Sport should be fun, so why not create a fun training environment for everyone involved? You'll not only make friends at every showcase you attend by doing this, but coaches will take notice. As I said earlier, coaches are looking for whole people, not just players, to recruit. Impressing a coach with your attitude and how you interact with those you train with is important to succeeding at a showcase. Encourage others and compliment them when they do things well and if you're separated into teams or groups for a game or session, learn other player's names. This way you can mimic how you communicate with your teammates in front of coaches.
7. Ask questions
If there are moments during the showcase for a Q&A session or times you feel it's appropriate to ask a coach a question, be sure to do so. Have your questions prepared beforehand–no matter what the question may be, this could make you more memorable for a coach after a showcase, especially if the question is thoughtful and shows you did your research on their school.
8. Follow up
It is most important to reach out to a coach after a showcase in order to establish you want to continue to communicate with them, as well as to get some feedback about how you played and where you may stand with the coach. If you do not reach out after a showcase, a coach may assume you have lost interest or simply not reach out to you first. Taking initiative is always important in the recruiting process.
Follow all of these tips and you're sure to attract the attention of any college coach! Be sure to put your best foot forward and give everything you've got when at college showcases!
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* Originally published on July 26, 2022, by Annie Welch
