There is one thing you need to remember as a recruit: it is completely acceptable to be picky. College is a big decision that requires the proper research. A college team is like a family and it is important that regardless of outcome, you work together and hold a strong bond with one another. Before you make a commitment, you should know exactly what you are getting into. Make sure that you visit the facilities, meet the staff, and always remember to be thinking, can I live here? Your college decision is much deeper than sports. You need to make sure that you are in the right environment to help you, and that you surround yourself with the right people.

Get to know the other players.

A college team is like a family, and it is important that regardless of outcome, you work together and hold a strong bond with one another. You will be spending a lot of time with your team and that includes practice, meals, weekends, anything you can think of. Championships are usually won by the teams that have the most chemistry. Therefore, it is ideal for the team to have the same mindset, preferably a winning mindset. Many times, players use sports to stay in shape or for entertainment purposes, while other players are trying to win and only win. These conflicting mindsets are far and few between but can still cause problems among the chemistry of the team. This is why it is important to know the team's tendencies. Whether that be two-a-day workouts or team dinners every Friday. You need to find what you fits your personality. Remember, these teams want you, and you should never feel obligated to join a specific team. Determine where you will enjoy playing, and follow what you believe is the best path.

Get to know the staff.

The quality of a coaching staff is almost as important as the bond between players. Without the correct staff, a team can go from a consistent championship contender to the bottom of their conference in a matter of years. Coaches recruit incoming players in hopes they mesh with the current team. As the recruit, you need to make sure that you like, and more importantly, respect the coaches that pursue you. That includes assistant coaches, speciality coaches, and training staff. All of which will directly affect your collegiate athletic career. Do not get distracted by one coach or one aspect of a college.

Get to know the campus/facilities.

You will be spending a lot of time with your team and that includes practice, meals, weekends, anything you can think of. You want to make sure that the facilities you will be practicing at won't require you to triple tape your ankles for worry of stepping in a random sand trap at GLE. (It's happened) If the school does not have exactly what you are looking for then continue the search. Do not settle for an institution that you are not happy with when there are so many schools to choose from. Unfortunately, the world is not a perfect place and you may need to make sacrifices. Do not pass on a school because the gyms or the practice field and courts are brick, and you prefer more sturdy cement structures. Also, do not forget to check out the education centers that most schools offer specifically for athletes (especially during finals week and the library is packed).

Remember the reason for attending college.

Playing sports in college is an experience only a few select people get to enjoy. By all means, have fun, but more importantly, do not forget to get an education. Your athletic career has been a key to getting into college, so do not waste the opportunity by forgetting why you are attending college in the first place. While select few get to play sports in college, even fewer go on to make a career out of their athletic abilities. Therefore, make sure that this potential environment will help you succeed in more ways than just sports. Ensure that the university you are considering offers your field of study. Also, remember that this decision is the first step on your path to adulthood. Do not get distracted by all the pretty lights and shiny objects. Be responsible, and do what you can to help yourself succeed, and that starts with selecting the right school.

Photo taken from Newsday.com

* Originally published on August 24, 2016, by Bryan Sosoo