“Be so good, they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
Summer break is here—but for athletes with big dreams, this isn’t the time to hit pause. It’s the time to separate yourself.
If you’ve read my book Significant Recruiting, you might remember the chapter about the twins I coached more than 25 years ago. They were relentless in their pursuit of improvement—not because they wanted attention, not because they were trying to impress me, and not even because they were desperate to get recruited. They just loved the game and wanted to be great at it.
Before every two-hour workout, they were already dripping with sweat—getting extra reps in before I even arrived. After our sessions ended, they’d go home and continue drilling the skills we worked on for hours. That kind of self-motivated commitment didn’t just make them better players. It made them undeniable.
They eventually earned college scholarships (with multitudes of offers) and played professionally overseas, but the outcome was never the driving force. Their work ethic wasn’t a tactic. It was a lifestyle.
When I think back to that quote from Steve Martin, I can’t help but see the truth in it echoed in every great athlete I’ve ever coached or studied—Walter Payton, Serena Williams, Larry Bird, Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Michael Phelps, Michael Jordan. Talent may have opened the door, but what made them legends was their decision to master their craft when no one was watching.
The Truth About Recruiting
Yes, I can help you get recruited. There are proven strategies for building exposure, writing to coaches, preparing visits, and creating film. But none of that matters if you haven’t put in the work to become great at what you do.
There is no faster, more lasting way to rise above the noise than to be the hardest worker in the room—every day, especially when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or uncelebrated.
The Trap of Motivation
Too many athletes fall into the motivation trap. They get fired up, sprint out of the gate, and burn out by day two. You don’t need a dramatic overhaul. You need a consistent habit.
Start with daily baby steps:
- 15 minutes of focused skill work.
- A short lift or run.
- A daily routine that becomes non-negotiable.
It’s not about doing more than everyone else on day one. It’s about doing something every day until the gap between you and your competition is undeniable.
This Summer: Choose Your Path
School’s out. The structured routine of classes is gone. So, what replaces it?
Will it be Netflix and naps? Or will it be a two-hour daily pocket of focused effort—running, lifting, jump rope, reps? You’ve still got 22 hours to sleep in, hang out, and enjoy your summer. But if you want to play at the next level, you don’t get to skip the work and hope for the call.
Final Thought
Every recruit has a choice. You can hope someone notices you. Or you can become a player so committed, so skilled, so consistent—they can’t ignore you.
Want More Help on Your Journey?
If you’re serious about standing out in your recruiting journey, I’ve built resources to help you do just that:
📕 Read the Book – Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes is the guide every student-athlete and parent should have. It breaks down the entire recruiting process with practical strategies that work.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast – Tune in to Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers and Significant Recruiting for weekly episodes featuring college coaches, recruiting insights, and leadership advice for athletes and parents.
📓 Coming Soon: The Softball Recruit’s Journal – Available in June, this weekly journal is designed specifically for softball athletes navigating their recruiting process. Set goals, track coach communication, reflect on visits, and take full ownership of your journey. Additional sport-specific versions are coming soon.
🌐 Visit CoachMattRogers.com – Find blog posts, podcast episodes, booking info, and everything you need to stay on track. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the process, this is your home base for all things recruiting.
