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As a student-athlete, Christmas break can feel like a pause button—no games, fewer practices, and a little space to breathe. But recruiting doesn’t slow down just because the calendar does. The holidays are actually one of the best times to show who you are, not by what you receive, but by what you give. This season is an opportunity to offer meaningful gifts that speak to your character as much as they speak to college coaches.

🎁 To Your Parents

Give them gratitude and effort. Thank them for the rides, the late nights, the financial sacrifices, and the emotional support—but don’t stop there. Show it through your actions: handle your academics, keep your room clean, and take ownership of your recruiting process.

When recruits take responsibility at home, it builds trust—and trust makes the recruiting journey healthier for everyone involved.

🎁 To Your Club & High School Coaches

Give them respect and professionalism. Communicate clearly. Be on time. Train with purpose. Represent their program the right way—even when no one is watching.

How you treat the coaches developing you today matters to the coaches who may recruit you next. Habits, attitude, and reliability often carry more weight than a highlight clip.

🎁 To Your Teammates

Give them presence and leadership. Be the teammate—and the leader—you wish someone would be to you. Show up with great energy, be a great cheerleader, and help keep team standards high, even during the holidays.

Coaches are always watching how you impact the people around you, especially when you don’t think anyone is watching.

🎁 Bonus Gift: The Gift of Significance

Give yourself the confidence, structure, and strategy to take control of your future. The definition of significance is taking actions that remove mere chance from your journey.

You don’t need 10,000 hours, 10,000 dollars, or 10,000 sleepless nights to be the CEO of your recruitment. What you do need is a simple plan you can execute every week—and the discipline to stick to it. Do that consistently, and you’ll be amazed at what your results look like over time.

🎄 Merry Christmas! I’ll be cheering for you. Use this holiday season to motivate you, reset your focus, and go make your dreams come true.

If you’re a recruit or parent looking for help getting your family on the same page, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. You have a trusted resource whenever you need it at CoachMattRogers.com.