“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” -Mark Twain
A little more than a year ago, I was sitting at my computer rewriting my introduction and first chapter of my book for what seemed liked the hundredth time. I knew I had the knowledge and experience to write a book that would make college recruiting much easier for families, but I kept doubting myself and chasing my own tail. I was so focused on writing the perfect masterpiece that I forgot my true objective for writing the book in the first place: to help kids get to college. I wasn’t helping anyone by re-writing the same thoughts over and over again. I was going nowhere and nowhere fast.
I knew I needed help. I just couldn’t get out of the sludge of my own doubts, so I began interviewing book coaches and book editors. When I met Cat Margulis, I knew in minutes that she was the “coach” that truly understood my capabilities and could match my passion for my project. In our very first one-on-one meeting, she flat out told me to “STOP IT! Stop re-writing and editing and just write.” Tough love. Nothing inspires me more.
Everyday I see student-athletes feeling the same way I did. They want to get recruited, but they think of a hundred different excuses to keep them from getting started. So, I tell them to “Stop it! Just get started!”
Every college coach in the country has a phone number and email address. The only reason they don’t know you is because YOU have not introduced yourself and expressed your desire to be recruited by them.
I tease my clients all the time about dating because I know that is such a dramatic (if not traumatic) part of every teenagers world. I say, “If you want to go to Prom with that handsome, beautiful kid that sits two seats ahead of you in English class, staring at the back of their head is not going to get it done. If you don’t ask, they don’t know.”
Yes, I know, the thought of rejection is a terrible feeling. No one wants to feel the embarrassment of being told “I’m not interested.” That stinks, but the reality is that you would be much better off knowing that person doesn’t want to go to Prom with you rather than losing sleepless night after sleepless night wondering.
I promise that the embarrassment of being told “no” will pass. Why? Because there is someone out there for you that will say “yes”. And you will be so thankful that you went through all the “no’s” to find the perfect “Yes!”
Just remember that if you really want something, you have to go get it. Here’s a reminder of how to “go get it” very quickly.
- Build an online profile with a good picture of you, game or practice film, stats, your contact info and your schedule. There are many websites where you can create an online recruiting profile for FREE!
- Go online to the schools that you are interested in. I encourage every prospect to create an “attack list” of schools around 50-100 schools with a mix of schools at each the NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and Junior College levels. Does that school have your potential major(s)? If yes, find the Staff Directory in the Athletics section and find the coaches of your sport. You will usually see their phone number and email address next to their name.
- Send a short email to the Head Coach and Assistants letting them know you are interested in them and would like to know if they would be interested in you. Attach your online recruitment link, so they have everything they need to evaluate you. Ask for something in return: 1) a quick evaluation of your ability, 2) an opportunity to schedule a phone call.
- Follow-up every email within a week with a phone call to the same coaches you emailed.
- Repeat steps 1-3 until you get through your “attack list”.
I take all my clients through a much more thorough process, but it really comes down to these 3 steps to get started. You can find much more detail in previous blogs and my book. I want you to have today to look in the mirror and say “Stop it! Just get started!” You will be so happy you did! Your perfect coach and college (and Prom date!) are out there waiting for you. They just don’t know it yet!
Enjoying these blogs? Want to schedule a free 30-minute coaching assessment with Coach Rogers? You can do so here: https://www.significantcoaching.net/
Interested in Coach Rogers’ Book on College Recruiting? You can find it here: https://bit.ly/Matt-Rogers-Significant-Recruiting-Amazon
