Getting recruited requires a proactive approach and the recruiting process is constantly evolving. As we dive deeper and deeper into the era of social media, more and more athletes are being recruited through Twitter. It is for that reason that athletes must handle themselves with professionalism and grace as they explore options to play at the next level. A poor digital footprint can ruin one's chances of receiving a scholarship or an opportunity to play in college. With that said, here's how you can use your social media platforms to set yourself up for success.

Related: Send Tweet? Do's and Don'ts for Recruits on Social Media 

Twitter Profile Pointers

The social media profile is the most important part of building a recruitable identity on Twitter. When coaches stumble upon your highlights or search your name on Twitter, this is more than likely their first introduction to you and your talent. In your profile, it is integral to include your location, class year, GPA, position, and high school. There should be a link to your Hudl profile in which there are clips of you displaying a variety of skills on the playing field. The profile picture and background image should correlate with the sport you play and be easily presentable. A coach may be turned off from you if you have a suboptimal profile, so keep your content clean, fresh, and useful.  

Related: Tweet it or Delete it? How to Leverage Your Twitter Account for Recruiting

Communicating with Coaches via Direct Messages 

When communicating with coaches through direct messages, it is important to address them directly. Use a professional intro and greeting and be prompt and honest in your responses. If you are not interested in a school, do not burn a bride by not responding. Communicate your interests respectfully and keep a foot in the door because there could always be a change in events in which that offer or interest becomes your only one. It is extremely important to avoid nagging and bothering coaches. Recruiting coordinators are often assistant coaches as well who are busy with a lot to do with a little amount of time. Remember, they are providing you with a life-changing opportunity, so do not mess it up by acting childish or immature. Simple things such as correct punctuation and saying thank you after messages can keep a recruiter interested in you and what you have to offer. 

Show Gratitude

It is important to be both intentional and deliberate when posting on your professional Twitter. An account made for recruiting should be an original one, not your old personal account changed to recruiting. Post your offers and show thanks. It is important to show thanks when getting an offer as it displays gratitude and thanks with the looming fact that offers can be taken away. Besides just offers, it is always important to demonstrate both class and gratitude. Include posts on your profile that thank coaches after your participation in camps or showcases. A small yet important detail of posting on your account is to use high-quality photos. No one wants to look at a grainy photo of you at a camp and they may often be scrolled by. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Send Tweet?

Also be sure to avoid using social media in inappropriate ways. Cursing, use of illicit substances, and liking or commenting on inappropriate videos are all ways that offers can get rescinded or not given in the first place. In the age of social media, we all have seen a person or two whose professional or playing career has been shaken up by the unearthing of an inappropriate tweet posted in their youth. Coaches do not want to recruit a kid with a poor digital footprint. If a coach suspects that they are going to have to worry about you outside of the playing field, then more than likely it will not be in their best interest to offer you. 

Twitter is a great place to gain recognition for your athletic skills and accomplishments and showcase to college coaches what you can do. Although it is a great resource, any social media site has its plusses and minuses and it is important that college athletes use it wisely when attempting to get recruited. A strong digital footprint, a thorough profile, and deliberate posts are the perfect combination to start your  recruitment process through Twitter. 

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* Originally published on November 2, 2022, by William Calhoun