Even though times have changed, one thing about recruiting is still the same (and always will be)–it’s about establishing and building relationships.
In the early days, college recruiters would get tips about a prospective player, often watch film, and then travel to that high school and observe a player first-hand. Things are a little bit different now. It’s because recruiters can get so much information online before ever watching/meeting a prospective player.
But it’s still important to make personal contact.
The best recruiters have solid relationships with high school ADs and coaches. Recruiting is built on those relationships. Most student-athletes will be recruited only once, but it’s not unusual for a recruiter to recruit the same school/team for an extended period of time.
They look for high school athletes who are good fits for their program–skill-wise, position-wise, academic-wise, and character-wise. A prospective student-athlete’s success in college comes when all those boxes are checked, ‘yes.’
But make no mistake about it. It’s not just about what a student-athletic can do for the school. It’s also about what the school can do for the student-athlete. And, as they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Good recruiters know and follow that rule.
Courtesy” Parents Magazine
The initial meeting with a prospective student-athlete and parent(s) is a critical experience. A recruiter has to dress well, be courteous, and be prepared to answer questions. A good recruiter also has to ask questions so that he or she gets a good feel for the student-athletes’ aspirations/goals and parent(s)’ expectations.
Exploring life goals after college is important, too–not just as a possible pro athlete, but what a student-athlete would like to do for a living. College needs to prepare young people for life.
The bottom line is this; recruitment is a two-way street. Schools want the best athletes they can find, and student-athletes want to pick the school that’s right for them. ‘Victory’ comes when both sides say, YES!
