Dear Coach Quinn – What are college coaches looking for when recruiting prospective student-athletes?

Dear Coach Quinn - What are college coaches looking for when recruiting prospective student-athletes?

Coaches are looking for 3 things: Character, Academics and Athletic Ability & Effort.

• Whether you’re on the field, in the classroom or out in your community, representing yourself well and as a person of character goes a long way. Coaches want to know that you’ll be reliable when it comes to attending practices and meetings, and that you’ll put 110% into all that you do. They’ll want to know that you’re a person of integrity, someone they can count on to represent the team well and someone who will bring good light to their program. Basically, they’ll be looking for a leader – someone who is accountable, reliable, dependable and responsible.
• Receiving an education is the reason you’re going to college, and earning a degree should be your priority. And when it comes to deciding between players of equal ability, academics can be a determining factor. Your transcript will tell coaches several things – your level of dedication, diligence and work ethic. Besides what you’re grades will show about your character, they’ll also open or close doors when it comes to eligibility. Academic standards for becoming and remaining eligible will vary by division, so if you want any playing time, you’ll have to make it a priority to meet these requirements.
• And, of course, your athletic ability will be evaluated. Along with your skills and abilities, your heart and effort are something coaches will want to see as well. Coaches want someone who will bring their A-game to every play, each practice and every game. They’ll want to know that you’re someone who is motivated, dedicated and determined to be successful. An athlete who puts in the time and effort is worth more than a talented player without that same drive.

To sum it all up, a student-athlete of character, who makes the grades and puts in the time and effort is the total package that college coaches are looking to find.

Do you have recruiting questions? Email your questions to Coach Quinn at JohnnyQuinn@TheAthleteWatch.com.

How To: Prepare for the Recruitment Process – The Top 5 Things You Must Know

Whether you’re new to the recruitment process, or you’ve already begun, as you probably already know, the recruitment process is a long one. And before all of the many important steps you’ll take and decisions you’ll make, one of the biggest keys to success is in your approach and preparation.

So, here are our top 5 tips on how to prepare for recruitment success:

1. Be pro-active & Be committed. This one tops the list because this mentality is simply a must. The road to getting recruited is long, and you’ll have to work hard all throughout the journey. And, ultimately, it’s up to you to actively contact and connect with college coaches, get their attention and gain exposure.  So, no matter where you are in the process, be sure to stay committed from start to finish.
2. Start early, Start now. This goes hand in hand with being pro-active. Although college visits typically won’t begin until your junior year, there are still lots of steps to take in the years beforehand. It’s never too early to start working towards your dreams. In fact, several college athletes get ahead by beginning as early as junior high. In the end, you only go through the process once, so use any time left to your advantage and make the most out of it.
3. Do your research & Learn the rules of the game. The NCAA enforces several rules and regulations that you must follow to become and remain eligible. Be sure to study up!
4. Continue your development on the field. Learn where your strengths and weaknesses lie, then use that knowledge to improve and build on your skills and abilities. Another great way to build your skills is by going to camps and combines. By going, you’ll get evaluated and receive direct coaching from the staff. Plus, they’ll also be great resources for helping you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll know what areas you need to  work on when you head back home.
5. Focus on the student-side of being a student-athlete. It’s critical to work just as hard off the field as you do on it. Develop good study habits, time management and organizational skills as early as possible. College-bound student-athletes must be academically certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center to compete for Division I and II programs. However, college and university admissions requirements are usually more restrictive. It’s important to do your best all throughout high school, and it’s never too late to improve your grades. Plus, earning a high GPA and scoring well on the SAT/ACT will open doors to more colleges and to academic scholarships too. Your diligence, dedication and determination will show through too.

So, to put it simply, by taking a pro-active approach by starting early, doing your research and working to better yourself as both a student and as an athlete, you’ve learned the most important keys to recruitment prep and success.

Get started today with The Athlete Watch. And for more information, feel free to call us at 972.439.5829 or email us at info@theathletewatch.com.