How to Take Control of the College Recruiting Process
By Craig Foster
Your Athlete’s Future Is In Your Hands: How to Take Control of the College Recruiting Process
If you’re a parent of a student-athlete with college dreams, you’ve probably asked yourself the question: “How do we get noticed by college coaches?”
It’s a fair question—and an important one. But the answer might surprise you.
Contrary to popular belief, college recruiting is not something that just happens to talented athletes. It’s not a process where you sit back, play your sport, and wait for a coach to show up in the stands. In today’s competitive landscape, recruiting is active, not passive.
If your athlete is waiting for a scholarship offer to land in their lap, they’re already falling behind. The good news? You don’t have to wait—and you don’t have to leave it up to chance.
Let’s break down exactly what separates recruited athletes from those who get overlooked—and how you can help your athlete take charge of their recruiting journey.
Why Being Proactive Is Essential
There are over 8 million high school athletes in the U.S., and fewer than 7% will go on to compete at the college level. That’s a narrow window—and getting through it requires more than just talent.
College coaches are incredibly busy. They’re juggling rosters, schedules, practices, budgets, and more. Most don’t have time to comb through every tournament or highlight reel on the internet. That means it’s your job—and your athlete’s—to get on their radar.
The athletes who get recruited don’t just wait for opportunities—they create them.
What Recruited Athletes Do Differently
Here are three key habits that successful recruits have in common:
✅ 1. They Consistently Contact College Coaches
Reaching out once isn’t enough. Recruited athletes are regularly emailing and messaging coaches—not just to introduce themselves, but to update them on performances, upcoming tournaments, academic achievements, and more.
Think of it as professional networking. Building a relationship with a coach takes time and effort. If your athlete isn’t actively reaching out, another player is.
Tip: Help your athlete create a list of 10–20 realistic college programs that match their athletic and academic level. Then, begin personalized outreach to each coach on that list.
✅ 2. They Respond Quickly and Professionally
When a coach reaches out, time is of the essence. Coaches often reach out to multiple athletes at once, and if they don’t get a timely response, they’ll simply move on.
Encourage your athlete to check their email daily and respond promptly—with gratitude, professionalism, and confidence.
Tip: Draft a few email templates in advance, so your athlete feels prepared to reply quickly when a coach contacts them.
✅ 3. They Share High-Quality Video Regularly
Video is one of the most powerful tools in recruiting. A coach can’t make an informed decision based on a stat sheet alone—they need to see your athlete in action.
Highlight videos, full-game footage, and skill clips are essential. Recruited athletes make it easy for coaches to evaluate them by consistently updating and sharing video content.
Tip: Work with a coach, trainer, or trusted source to compile high-quality highlight reels that showcase your athlete’s strengths. Platforms like Hudl, YouTube, or even Dropbox can make sharing easy.
What You Can Do Right Now
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to wait for a magical moment or an elite camp invitation to start. You can take control of the recruiting process today.
🔹 Step 1: Make a Game Plan
Sit down with your athlete and talk about their goals. What kind of school are they hoping for—Division I, II, III, NAIA, or JUCO? What size school? What majors interest them? Narrowing this down helps create a focused recruiting strategy.
🔹 Step 2: Build a Recruiting Profile
Create an online presence that includes your athlete’s athletic stats, academic info, highlight videos, and contact information. Many families use platforms like NCSA, SportsRecruits, or BeRecruited, but a well-crafted Google Drive folder or personal website works too.
🔹 Step 3: Start Communicating
Don’t overthink it—start sending emails to coaches. Personalize each message. Mention why your athlete is interested in their program, include basic stats, GPA, and a link to their highlight video. Then, follow up every few weeks with updates.
🔹 Step 4: Stay Organized
Keep track of which coaches you’ve contacted, who’s replied, and what was said. A simple spreadsheet can help you monitor progress and identify where to focus your efforts.
Remember: It’s a Journey, Not a Sprint
The recruiting process can take time. It’s full of ups and downs. But staying active, engaged, and consistent gives your athlete the best possible chance to find the right college fit—both athletically and academically.
No one cares about your athlete’s future more than you do. And by taking action, you’re doing more than just chasing a scholarship—you’re helping them grow, mature, and pursue their passion at the next level.
So don’t wait. Start today. Because your athlete’s future is in your hands—and it’s time to take control.