I was a two-sport athlete in high school and I was pretty good. Not that I was the blue chip kid all the coaches were drooling after, but I was a New York State Champion gymnast and State runner up in track and field.
I really did not know much of anything regarding skillful tactics in getting on the radar screen of the college coaches, and quite honestly, I did not begin the recruiting process until well into my senior year of high school.
I’m thankful that both the track and field and gymnastics coaches at Temple were paying attention late in the process and I was very fortunate to receive a full athletics scholarship.
My brief story is a valuable one and for only one reason. Don’t do what I did! What follows are suggested strategies for athletes and families who feel they might be a bit behind in the college quest.
What You Shouldn’t Do
If you happen to feel a little disoriented with the college search and that feeling of frustration is creeping in, don’t’ panic!
When faced with any obstacle, where time is a crucial factor, we tend to think firstly of everything that could go wrong in an attempt to size up the situation. This only complicates the matter further and creates a potentially negative approach to the issue.
Additionally, late starters typically react by flooding the college coaches with information and communication in an attempt to at least “connect with someone.” This will immediately be picked up by the college coaches as an act of desperation and I strongly discourage prospects from taking this approach.
Another reaction many families might feel compelled to execute is to take the first good offer that comes along. Whether it's an offer to tryout for a team or be invited as a walk-on, I will admit there is a feeling of comfort when a coach shows sincere interest in a prospect, especially late in the game.
What You Should Do
With every important decision we make, it's important to maintain clarity in thinking.
No matter how overwhelming the current moment may appear, take the time to sit down as a family and adequately size up the situation. Do everything you can to keep negative thoughts at bay and maintain a positive approach to what may seem like a difficult journey. Remember the old saying, “Think you can, think you can’t, either way you’re right.”
Just like a good coach and a worthy team who is behind a goal or two with just a few minutes left in the game, approach your personal situation with the end game in mind and work yourself slowly back to present time.
An organized and well thought out plan of action will give families and their children the best chance at success. Whether it's effective communication with coaches or planning that mid-August road trip to a half dozen schools, take a “team effort” in developing a step-by-step approach, with targets and time-lines that will most likely be demanding, but doable.
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