“First impressions are remembered best,” and I think this holds true for prospective student-athletes and how they present themselves to coaches as they navigate the contact phase of the college recruiting process.
Below are some simple tips to consider that will help prospects as they begin cultivating relationships with college coaches.
Dress for the Occasion
Projecting a positive personal image in the eyes of the college coaches is very important, and your outward appearance is a great starting point. The first thing a coach sees before he shakes your hand is you and your outward appearance.
I am not saying you need to “dress for the prom,” but you should make every effort to dress in a casual, but clean and professional manner. Torn jeans and a dirty t-shirt with sneakers just won’t cut it in the competitive world of college recruiting, and you are only decreasing your chances of remaining high in the active recruiting file by exhibiting a poor appearance.
In preparation for the initial meeting with the coach, wear a nice pair of khakis or shorts, polo shirt, and a pair of casual shoes. You will remain comfortable and the coach will be impressed with your outward style.
Know Your Stuff
You will be meeting the man or woman who may very well have a direct impact on your life over a four year period, and I strongly suggest you make every effort to enter the first meeting as an educated and knowledgeable consumer.
The college search is a comparative analysis of several institutions, and the more you know about your “product,” the better prepared you will be to communicate effectively with the coaches. I suggest a balanced approach, whereby the information you gather is an equal mix of the academic and athletic data, combined with information about the general social environment of the institution.
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