What Else Can I Do to Get Recruited?
July 28th, 2009 - byQ: I have been doing everything possible to get recruited. I have completed recruiting questionnaires for colleges, sending the coaches letters and making profiles on recruiting websites, but nothing has really happened yet. I’m going to be a sophomore next year but I know you have to get going early if you want to get scouted. I don’t have any film yet because I do not have a video camera. So what else can I do to get scouted?
A: It sounds like you have been putting a lot of effort into your recruitment thus far. Congratulations on a job well done! As an NCSA Recruiting Coach I see situations like yours all the time and one of the first questions I ask is “what schools/divisions are you targeting?” It might be a case where you are targeting coaches at schools you are not qualified for at this time. I recommend that you review the NCSA Recruiting Guidelines to see where you measure up at this time. Secondly, coaches may be reviewing your information but they can not necessarily respond due to NCAA rules. Division I and II coaches are not allowed to send you emails or letters until September 1st of your junior year (these rules vary slightly according to your sport so refer to the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete for more specifics). Regardless of sport, Division III and NAIA schools are technically allowed to contact you at any time but many of them abide by the DI rules and wait to talk to prospects until they have more experience under their belts. Video is important as well. A lot of our athletes borrow cameras from friends or rent them from their high school, local library or blockbuster video. If you will be competing at any tournaments or showcases where college coaches might be you should send them your schedule.
I hope this information is helpful. The biggest advice I can give is DON’T QUIT! There are a lot of schools out there and as long as you continue to put in the time and effort it will pay off. Contact NCSA for additional help.
