By Andrea Emmons
When going through the recruiting process it is important to consider not just what you are looking for, but what college coaches are looking for as well. All coaches are different and what one coach wants may not be what another is looking for. These preferences can change each year depending on the team’s needs as well. It is extremely important to be a well rounded athlete and be able to show a coach all you can bring to their program.
Academics
Nothing makes a larger impact on a college coach than grades. Academics can make or break an athlete’s recruiting process. Coaches want to recruit student-athletes who will remain in good academic standing for the duration of their college career. Coaches will not waste time on someone they question academically.
Success
Your past success as an athlete is something that all college coaches will consider. Some coaches only consider athletes at the top 3-5% level nationally, or those with All-State honors. Other programs seek track & field athletes with varied success. In studying meet results, each coach attempts to fill the needs of his or her program and will want to fill weaknesses in the team first. A team lacking or losing a senior pole vaulter, for example, may overlook an outstanding sprinter to build a strong and solid program overall.
Potential
Some coaches will look at how an athlete has progressed or improved over the past four years. A coach looks to see if an athlete still has the ability to improve once reaching college. Athletes peak at different points in time and some unfortunately do not have as much potential in college as they did in high school. Take the appropriate steps to continue to improve and to be able to show that on the track and to a college coach. Coaches want to see that in the course of four collegiate years his or her recruits will improve and remain enthused and dedicated runners, jumpers, vaulters and throwers.
Versatility
Track and field athletes who have the capability or potential to compete in several events are the most attractive to college coaches. Versatility within cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track is an exceptional attribute to have. Unlike larger universities, smaller colleges and universities may struggle to find specialists for every event.
Leadership
Every coach wants and needs someone a natural leader on their team. These athletes may not be the strongest or fastest, but they are an important part of a coach’s and team’s success. Many times the most athletic athlete on the squad isn’t the leader that pulls everybody through the tough practices, or gets everybody motivated for a large meet. Team captains show leadership, dedication and an undeniable ability to motivate.
Dedication
Dedicated runners are always striving to improve and contribute, and that motivates others to do the same. Being dedicated and have an exceptional work ethic are necessary ingredients for a track and field athlete’s and team’s success.
