By Matt Luckett
Many student-athletes enter the recruiting process with a mental picture of their future college or university. Most, however, ultimately choose a college/university that is very different than they first imagined. Student-athletes should research as many colleges/universities as possible and build relationships with a wide range of college coaches. The more experiences you have, the better you will understand yourself, your true needs and desires, and your options.
As an underclassman you should maintain contact with every college coach that sends you information, regardless of division. Your opinions may change throughout your high school career and the more coaches in your pool, the more leverage you create. By researching colleges and universities you will be able to make educated decisions. Make sure you research the academic, athletic and social aspects that each college/university has to offer.
After you have researched all the colleges/universities that have sent you information, create a list and rank them from favorite to least favorite. Start by contacting the schools of least interest to you. Communicating with coaches at institutions you are not excited about first will prepare you for interactions with your top choices. You are able to make as many calls as you want, at anytime. You are also allowed unlimited unofficial visits and it is important to take advantage of them early. Visiting campus is a great way to learn about a college/university.
If you are an upperclassman and are 100% positive you are not going to attend a particular college/university, you still need to respond. College coaches are in constant communication with each other about potential recruits. The last thing you need is a coach giving you a bad recommendation because you have not stayed in contact or have avoided them. Until you have two to five offers on the table from college coaches, you should not tell a coach “no”.
If you are comfortable with your options and wish to cease contact with a coach, you can send a “thank you, but no thank you” note. Always have a trusted professional proofread your letter to make sure your message is polite and clear. Thank the coach for their interest but graciously explain that you have chosen a different path. State that you will be in touch if anything changes.
