“Champions keep playing until they get it right. Then they play more.” – Billie Jean King
As we head into spring, college recruitment is heating up. High school sophomores and juniors are ramping up their efforts, while many seniors are still searching for the right opportunity to play at the next level.
This is the perfect time to revisit some essential strategies that can jump-start your recruiting journey or help you close in on your dream school.
1. Commit to the Process
College coaches can quickly sense a lack of commitment. Show them you’re serious by refining your habits, maximizing your GPA, and getting in peak physical condition. The more disciplined you are now, the better your chances of standing out.
2. Know Your Value
If you’re a junior or senior still aiming for Division I, take an honest look at your reality. Are you the hardest worker on your team? A conference standout? A key player in deep playoff runs? If not, your best opportunities may be at the junior college, D3, or NAIA level. Decide what’s more important—scholarship money or playing time—and target schools accordingly.
3. Prioritize Academics
The first question every coach asks is, “How are their grades?” Strong academics open more doors, both for admissions and financial aid. If your grades aren’t where they should be, make schoolwork a top priority. Coaches won’t invest time in a recruit who can’t stay eligible.
4. Be Visible Online
Coaches aren’t scouting your high school gym—they’re scouting online. Make sure your film, grades, schedule, and contact information are easily accessible through a recruiting platform. The easier you make it for coaches to evaluate you, the better.
5. Build an Attack List
Compile a list of 50-100 schools that align with your athletic ability, academic interests, and personal preferences (location, size, climate, etc.). Expect that at least half won’t be the right fit. Volume matters—give yourself plenty of options to explore.
6. Take Initiative
Coaches won’t find you—you must find them. Email and call both head and assistant coaches. Send them your online resume and ask for an honest evaluation. If you don’t introduce yourself, you won’t get recruited.
7. Get Seen
Make sure coaches have opportunities to watch you play live. If attending showcases or camps isn’t feasible, prioritize getting high-quality game film. The more you play and improve, the more chances you have to catch a coach’s eye.
8. Use Social Media Strategically
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube can help promote your recruiting profile, but coaches aren’t actively searching for athletes there. Engage with coaches directly and provide links to your film. If a coach watches but doesn’t reach out, move on.
9. Be Persistent
If a coach hasn’t responded after an email or call, follow up. Coaches are busy and often miss messages. A polite follow-up shows you’re serious. If you’ve reached out multiple times without a reply, they’re likely not interested—shift your focus elsewhere.
10. Apply and Visit the Right Schools
Only apply and visit schools where there is genuine mutual interest. If a coach hasn’t shown strong interest, don’t waste time and money on visits. Ideally, you should have 3-4 schools where both you and the coach see a great fit.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting isn’t easy—if it were, everyone would do it. Playing in college is a privilege, and thousands of athletes quit or enter the transfer portal each year because they didn’t find the right fit. The key to success is commitment—to yourself, your development, and the recruiting process. Take smart risks, put yourself out there, and create opportunities for your future.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to dive deeper into understanding motivation and personal growth, check out my book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes. It can be purchased through this link: https://coachmattrogers.com/book-significant-recruiting/.
Families and school administrators can also schedule a strategy session with me through this link: https://coachmattrogers.com/contact/#. Together, we can uncover what truly motivates you and help you achieve lasting success.
