Coaches look at many different aspects when it comes to recruiting an athlete, so it can be hard to pinpoint just one thing. So, we've made it easy with the top 16 qualities college coaches look for in athletes.
1. Be Resilient:
GRIT and resilience are character traits that describe someone's ability to display courage and strength. When something is hard, don't give up! It's important that you try your hardest even when things seem impossible, and you bounce back after a bad play or tough game.
Harvard University's Football coach, Tim Murphy, on GRIT:
“Character in the context of GRIT, we're looking for kids with that sort of self-motivation, great work ethic, and resiliency that I call GRIT.”
Harvard Football Head Coach, Tim Murphy, Passes on some Advice
2. Be Authentic:
Coaches want to get to know you on a personal level. When they are choosing who they want to recruit, they will look at whether you are compatible with the team. It's important that they know who you are as a person.
University of California – Berkeley's Men's Swim & Dive coach, David Durden, when asked about compatibility with the team:
“Primarily, do they get along with our current team? Our current team has had a lot of success, and they are great judges of character and fit, so if they pass that litmus test, then they have the traits we are looking for.”
UC Berkeley & Olympic Swim Coach, David Durden, Dives into Advice
3. Be Organized:
Being a college athlete is a ton of work! It's important that you stay on top of your daily tasks, practices, and more. Organization will be one of your greatest skills as a student-athlete.
Related: Understand What College Coaches Are Looking For
4. Be Passionate:
When you're applying to different programs make sure that you express interest! Coaches want to see passion when you speak about their program. They want to recruit athletes who are passionate about their team and want to play for their team.
5. Be Coachable:
No one likes a know-it-all. It's important that you are coachable. When you are at clinics and camps, make sure you adhere to their advice and follow their direction – it's only going to make you a better athlete.
University of Tennessee's Men's Basketball coach, Lamont Paris, on coachability:
“Coachability in the willingness to be coached – that's the most important one I think… to be honest with you, because that is just a decision a person makes.'
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Men's Basketball Head Coach Lamont Paris, “Can You See Yourself Being Coached by Me?”
6. Be Flexible:
It's important for you to be flexible when it comes to college sports. You might need to change your mindset to align more with what the coach is wanting for the team. You might also need to change your mindset on how you think you should train, practice, or play. Coaches might even ask you to play a new position.
Related: Head Coach Carousel: Dealing with Coach Turnover
7. Be Talented
It's no secret that you do need talent when it comes to playing college sports. Talent is something that can be perfected through hard work. Show up, work hard, and keep on trying. Remember, it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at a skill.
8. Be A Team Player
It's important to be a team player. Coaches want athletes who will work with each other. Teamwork shows coaches that you have sportsmanship and humility.
University of Vermont's Women's Ice Hockey coach, Jess Koizumi, on helping players around them:
“Will they help players around them get better by their own personal work ethic? Are they a good student that will help our team GPA as well as set a good example for the rest of the team? Are they easy to communicate with? Are they coachable?”
What Women's Ice Hockey Coaches and Pros Have to Say About the Recruiting Process
9. Be Self-Motivated:
No one is going to force you to try hard in practice, school, and work. It is up to you to perform at your best. Self-motivation will help you achieve your highest potential as an athlete.
Related: Picking a School and Team You Love
10. Be Courageous:
The only way you will get noticed by a coach is if you put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to go and personally introduce yourself to a coach. Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.
Princeton University's Heavyweight Rowing coach, Gregory Hughes, on introducing yourself to a school:
“A message from a coach about their athletes is great, and always appreciated, but if an athlete is serious about Princeton, we encourage them to engage in the process and develop a relationship with our staff.”
Princeton Heavyweight Rowing Coach & Canisius Rowing Coach Advice
11. Be A Good Student:
Being a student and an athlete go hand-in-hand. You can't play if you don't have good grades. It's important for you to prioritize your education. You are there to get an education, after all.
Monmouth University's Tennis coach, Chris Leicht, on being a good student:
“Athletes have to meet the school's academic requirements.”
Monmouth's Coach Chris Leicht and What He Looks for in Tennis Recruits
12. Be Communicative:
Throughout the recruiting process, it is important that you are communicating interest to athletic programs. It's also important as an athlete to communicate with teachers, coaches, and your team when you need more support. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
13. Be Mindful
When you are playing college sports, it's important for you to always have a growth mindset. Remember that there is always something new for you to learn from your teammates and coaches.
14. Be Respectful
Respect is key when you are playing on a team. You need respect for your coaches, for your teammates, and for yourself. Make sure that you always remember to treat the people around you the way you want to be treated.
Related: 3 Main Factors to Consider When Choosing a College
15. Be A Leader
College athletes always represent the team and the school. The student body, and community at large, looks towards athletes to be leaders within the college.
16. Be Humble
Remember that anyone can come and take your spot. Just because you might be the best in your freshman class does not mean you will be the best the next season. Focus on yourself, be kind, and always try your best.
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* Originally published on March 10, 2022, by Matthew Reichen
