Recruiting: Your game catches their eye, but your character captures their true interest

Talking to college coaches during camps and recruiting visits is an opportunity you should take full advantage of. Not only are you learning more about the school, the coach and the team but you are showing them who you are as a person. Here are some tips on how to sound confident and energetic while ensuring you gather the information you need:

1. Do Your Research:

• Know the basics about the school, its sports program, and the coach's background. This shows that you're genuinely interested.

• Check if the school offers your preferred major. This demonstrates that you're not only focused on athletics but also on your academic future.

• Tip: Look up info on not only the Head Coach but the assistants. During camps, you will interact with all coaches and even some of the current players. Knowing a bit about them allows you to strike up a meaningful conversation.

2. Prepare Questions:

• Develop a list of questions that cover key aspects such as academics, athletics, coaching philosophy, team mission and culture, and campus life.

• Ask about the coaching staff's expectations for athletes both on and off the field.

• Prepare some "meeting questions" and some "in-camp questions". Asking a long drawn out question about coaching style while camp is in session isn't something that can be answered quickly. In-camp questions should be quick and answers can be discussed while you are warming up, scrimmaging, testing, etc.

• Tip: at the end of camp, the coaches always ask the group if anyone has questions. Have a question prepared and stand up, introduce yourself to the group and speak clearly and confidently. The body language is just as important as the question!

3. Express Your Genuine Interest:

• Coaches appreciate players who are genuinely interested in their program. Mention specific aspects that attracted you to the school or team. Tell them why you like their school and compliment something super specific.

• Tip: Ask them an opinion based question that has no right answer. It is fun and you get a feel for their personality. Example, "what is your favorite uniform color combination and why?"

4. Be Confident & Responsible:

• Stand tall, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Confidence in your demeanor can make a positive impression.

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid rushing your words, which can make you sound nervous.

• Carry your own equipment and help to carry extra if needed. Never make your parents carry your gear. It is an immediate red flag to the coaching staff that you may not be ready to rise to the responsibility and work-ethic needed to play in college.

5. Show Enthusiasm:

• Express your passion for the sport and your eagerness to contribute to the team's success. Tell them exactly what skill you can bring to the team to make them better.

• Share any personal achievements or milestones that highlight your commitment, dedication and leadership abilities.

6. Be Positively Honest:

• Maintain a positive attitude throughout the conversation, even when discussing any negative experiences can show you aren't afraid of adversity but you also can look on the bright side and see challenges as opportunities to improve.

• Emphasize your willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to the team culture.

• Tip: Show you are super coachable. Make adjustments during camp and don't be afraid to say, "this movement is different than what I am used to but I completely understand why you mentioned it. Thanks for the tip!"

7. Listen Actively:

• Pay close attention to the coach's responses. This shows respect and a genuine interest in what they have to say.

• Respond thoughtfully to their comments, demonstrating that you value their perspective.

• Tip: Answer the question asked! People tend to shy away from difficult questions and don't really answer them. If the tough question stumps you, start off your answer with "Woe, this is a tough question, however I am just going to answer it from my heart......" By the time you say that you will have something more to say.

8. Express Your Goals:

• Share your short-term and long-term goals, both academically and athletically. This helps the coach understand your aspirations and commitment.

• If you don't know what you want to study just yet, that is okay! Just state that you are undecided but are interested in a couple of majors that the school has to offer.

9. Follow Up:

• After the conversation or camp, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in the program.

• Tip: create a postcard with your picture on it and some info about you (position, club team, contact info, coaches contact info, age/grad year) and leave the back open for you to quickly hand-write a thank you to the coaches for their time. The coaches love the extra effort and walk away with more info about you.

Remember, the goal is to establish a connection with the coach and demonstrate how you can be a valuable asset to their team both on and off the field. Don't go to a camp and then just walk away at the end thinking you have done enough to show you are a great player. The cost of the camp includes the chance to make an impression with the coaches, even if it is just for a minute or two. Make the most of it!