Navigating College Recruiting: Confidence is Half the Battle

m it down to a bullet list of specific questions you need answers to. Keep your list informative, but short. There is a good chance the coach will cover a lot of ground with his specific questions!


Presenting yourself (visits and by phone)

 
You can present yourself in a number of different ways to college coaches. The manner in which you display your personality will directly reflect the level of investment you have made in the college recruiting process.

Whether your communication is by phone, email or face to face, “preparation” is the operative word. When you are well prepared to communicate with the college coaches, your level of self-confidence increases and the coaches sense this. Remember, coaches are certainly looking to attract the best student-athletes, but just as important, they are looking for self-aware individuals who bring potential leadership skills to the table.

Here’s a quick tip: Say you are preparing to make that initial phone call to the coach. Instead of just picking up the phone, take time to go through mock phone conversations with your mom, dad or high school coach in an effort to develop skills in communication. Just like the effort you place in improving yourself as an athlete, your commitment to training your communication skills will pay big dividends down the road.

When you are face to face with a coach, dress sharp for the occasion and create a pleasing outward appearance. Your appearance will be the first thing the college coach sees before he shakes your hand and first impressions are important and long remembered.

Additionally, maintain consistent eye contact with the coach. The eyes are the “windows to your soul” and speak volumes about your level of self-confidence.


Dealing with rejection

Not every college coach will roll out the red carpet for you and it is important to prepare yourself for the possibility of rejection. It is going to happen and you should not take it personally. Whether rejection is a result of not meeting admissions standards or not having the “stuff” to be considered as an impact player for a particular team, do not waiver from “reaching” toward select academic and athletic programs.

One of many quotes I used with my teams was “Far better to reach for excellence and fall, than to settle for mediocrity.” The same holds true in the college search, but prepare mentally and emotionally for potential negative news. You might not appreciate the initial “shock” but by keeping your head held high and accepting the hand you are dealt, will only make you stronger and more persistent in the future.

The level of confidence prospects project as he/she navigates college recruiting, will be directly proportional to the potential success of the plan. Like impeccable preparation for a championship game, the best-prepared individuals will have the greatest chance at success if their recruiting plans are sound and they execute with confidence and persistence.

“Think you can, think you can’t, either way you are right.” Bringing a positive and organized approach to college recruiting will help you navigate a potentially daunting task with confidence and success.


Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence”, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.

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