Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple. -Woody Guthrie
If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the college recruiting process—you’re not alone. Between highlight reels, recruiting services, rankings, showcases, social media, and the constant “noise,” families often make things harder than they need to be.
That’s where the **KISS principle—Keep It Simple, Stupid—**comes in.
Originally a design philosophy, KISS is about cutting through unnecessary complexity and focusing on what really matters. And it applies perfectly to recruiting.
1. Simplicity is Key
The best recruits aren’t the ones with the fanciest graphics or the longest résumés—they’re the ones who communicate clearly, consistently, and honestly with coaches. Keep your emails and voicemails short. Keep your highlight video simple (2–3 minutes, your best plays first). Keep your conversations direct.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Complexity
Families often think they need 15 showcases, 5 recruiting services, and endless travel to “get seen.” That’s not true. Most athletes only need:
- A targeted list of schools (50-100 good fits with at least 10 at each division level)
- A highlight video or strong skill video (i.e. baseball, softball, golf)
- A consistent communication plan. (Email/call one coaching staff per week)
Everything else is optional. Don’t confuse activity with progress.
3. Focus on Clarity
Coaches don’t have time to play detective. They want to know: Who are you? What position do you play? What’s your GPA? Why do you fit at our school? If your communication doesn’t answer those questions quickly, you’re losing ground and wasting their time.
4. Maintainability
The recruiting process isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey. Overcomplicating things makes it exhausting. A simple, repeatable process (weekly outreach, tracking coach responses, updating your video every 3-4 months) is sustainable. Simplicity wins because it’s easier to maintain over time.
5. Real-World Application
KISS works in engineering, communication, and leadership—and it works in recruiting. Athletes who simplify the process stay consistent, avoid burnout, and often end up with better opportunities because they weren’t distracted by the extra noise.
Final Thought
If you feel like recruiting is spinning out of control, stop and ask: Am I keeping this simple? Chances are, you’ve added complexity that isn’t helping. Strip it back to the basics. Focus on what really moves the needle—communication, consistency, and fit. That’s how you win the recruiting game. A winning strategy should only take 5-10 minutes per week!
And if you want more tools, resources and one-on-one support to simplify the process, visit CoachMattRogers.com.
