Senior Trent Austin was recruited by Stetson University to play on their soccer team. Photo Credits JP PORTRAITS
BY A.J. KURZMAN
Being on a college team is the dream of many high school student athletes. They’ll strive to succeed and push themselves every day until their ultimate goal is achieved. However, along that path, comes a major obstacle: getting recruited by colleges. The recruiting process is a rigorous experience, but with the right plan in place, it’s not as intimidating as it appears.
The first steps on this road are undertaken as an underclassman. You want to get your name out there any way possible, and the most popular and easiest way in this day and age is social media. Video tape all of your games, compile a highlight reel, and post it to YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.
Next, think about your top choices for schools you’d like to attend, and perform in camps and clinics for those schools during the summer.
Senior Fallon McLaughlin started working on this as an underclassman and is attending Brevard Community College on a softball scholarship.
Senior Fallon McLaughlin was recruited by Brevard Community College to play softball.
“That’s how it all starts. Do whatever it takes to get your name out there. Go to showcases and always try to stay in constant contact with coaches you meet.” McLaughlin said.
The next steps come as a junior. First and most importantly is to make sure not to slack off academically. After all, there are many people that are good at sports, but not that many that can maintain good grades while keeping up with their athletics. Also participating in volunteer work or other clubs also helps to make you stand out.
Once your schoolwork is in check, it’s time for college visits. The two types of visits are ‘official’ and ‘unofficial’. Official visits are any visits to a college or university paid for by that institution. This includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and entertainment. Each high school athlete is restricted to a total of 5 official visits, and no more than 1 per school.
Unofficial visits are ones where you or your parents pay all of the expenses. There is no limit on how many unofficial visits can be taken. Make sure to talk to your high school coach about what schools they might recommend for you so you can plan your visits. Unofficial visits start as a junior. Make sure to get the coach’s entire contact information and send him thank you and follow up emails for the time. With the right performance and a little luck and persistence, the colleges may start taking an interest in you.
Senior Trent Austin knows from experience and is attending Stetson University on a soccer scholarship.
“I had to constantly put myself out there and try to get in touch with many coaches. Then after an ID camp at Stetson, the coach contacted me the following week.” Austin said.
When senior year comes around, the bulk of the work is over and it is decision time. This is when it’s time to start official visits to schools that you are interested in. Make sure once again to thank the coaches for their time and constantly follow up on your actions. After all the visits, try to eliminate some schools to make the final decision a little easier.
“To anyone who wants to get recruited, just remember: stay positive, dedicated, and always keep in contact.” McLaughlin said.
Although the recruiting process is a demanding one, it’s also a very rewarding experience.
“Make sure you’re always persistent because coaches wont just reach out and contact you first. It is a stressful and long process but if you put the effort in, it is totally worth it to be able to play your sport for another four years.” Austin said.
