The recruiting process can sound scary, overwhelming and complicated. But the truth is that this process can be enjoyable and fun if you do it within a smart timeframe, have real expectations, and put effort into reaching out to a lot of coaches to have different options to make the best decision. However, there are some very common mistakes mentioned below that you should avoid during this process.  Watch out for them!

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Starting the recruiting process too late  

The earlier the better. If athletes start late, it's possible that some of their target schools will have already recruited everyone in their class, leaving no room for them on the rosters of their choice. Scholarship offers should also be a consideration in the recruiting process and if you start too late, they may be already offered to someone else. To avoid this mistake athletes should start the recruiting process their junior year of high school. 

Having false expectations

Some athletes reach out to schools where their athletic level does not reach the expectations of the university so they end up not being recruited. To avoid this, be realistic and reach out to college where new recruits can be a valuable member of the team. 

Not reaching out to enough colleges or universities

The more colleges and universities athletes reach out to, the more chances they have of having an option that fits their academic and athletic expectations. This also increases the chances to find roster spots and better scholarships. The best way to reach out to coaches is via email and recruits should aim to send around ten emails to their preferred schools. 

Related: Reaching out to Coaches

Sending general emails

When athletes reach out to coaches via email they should send personal emails to each coach. Mention what you like about that school and why you would be a great addition to the team based on each team's qualities. And do your research–make sure you are spelling the coach's name correctly and that you are reaching out to the right ones (for example, if you're a sprinter on a track team, make sure you're not reaching out to the throws coach).

Related: Example Email to College Coaches

Not asking questions 

When athletes have a meeting with the coach via phone, zoom, or a campus visit they need to have questions prepared to ask the coach. This shows interest and makes the athlete understand the coach values and the team culture better. For example, you can ask questions about the team environment, coaching philosophy, how a day in the life of a student athlete in that school looks like, or about academics. 

Sending just one email to the coach 

A lot of athletes just send one email and give up when they don't receive an answer, but a good way to show the coach that you are interested is by being persistent. Don't spam them but send at least three emails, aiming for one per week. This increases the chances of being contacted back. 

Having someone else to contact coaches 

Contacting coaches is something that each athlete should do by themselves, rather than parents or agencies. Contacting the coaches personally shows interest and gives the athlete the opportunity to express themselves and have a personal contact with their probable future coach. 

Not being yourself

For coaches it is very important to see who the athlete really is so recruits should not be afraid to show their personality and discuss their background and their future goals during the recruiting process. Coaches want to know athletes and being real is the best way to be recruited. 

The recruiting process can be very fun if you put in a lot of effort and avoid these common mistakes. Be persistent, you will end up going to the school that best fits your athletic level, academic preferences, and aligns better with your future goals and plans. 

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* Originally published on July 12, 2022, by Camila Cramer