“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” –Pablo Picasso
Drumroll, please… the answer is NOT your child’s senior year.
Twenty-five years ago, college recruiting was the Wild, Wild West. There was no structure, no widely available strategies, and no guidebook to follow. Coaches mostly recruited within their region, leaning heavily on relationships with high school and club coaches they trusted.
Today, recruiting is a high-powered machine.
Thanks to the internet and social media, college coaches now recruit anyone, anywhere, anytime. It’s just as easy to scout a kid on the other side of the world as it is to discover one in their own backyard. The volume of talent is staggering—and for families? It’s downright overwhelming
Everywhere you turn, someone is shouting advice at you: coaches, former athletes, “recruiting experts,” websites, software platforms, podcasts, and blogs (mine included!). Everyone claims their way is the best way.
So let’s cut through the noise.
The Real Answer:
Recruiting starts when your child commits to doing the right things to play in college.
There’s no “perfect” age to begin. And yes, I’ve helped plenty of student-athletes start their process as seniors and still achieve their goal—but it’s much harder.
By senior year, roughly 75% of roster spots and athletic scholarships are already filled or nearly finalized. That means the pool of opportunity is much smaller. You may find yourself considering schools that weren’t on your list, sacrificing priorities like financial affordability, playing at your true ability level, or even ending up with a coach who doesn’t match your learning or motivational style.
Why Starting Early Gives You the Edge
If you start as a freshman or sophomore, your odds of success skyrocket.
- More roster spots available
- More scholarships available
- More time for coaches to evaluate you
You don’t need to be a finished product at 14 or 15. In fact, college coaches don’t expect perfection. They’re simply looking for what I call:
The 3-Legged Stool of Recruiting (Chapter 2 in Significant Recruiting)
Leg 1 – Academics:
Coaches want to know you’re handling business in the classroom. If you’re not admissible, you’re not recruitable.
Leg 2 – Character & Work Ethic:
They’re asking: “Would I enjoy coaching this kid?” Your attitude, drive, and how you treat teammates matter as much as your stats.
Leg 3 – Athletic Potential:
Do you already demonstrate something special—size, speed, skill, or strength—that stands out?
When you start early, coaches get to see your growth over time. They can track your development from 14 to 16 to 18. If you’re consistently improving, they’ll believe that trajectory will continue through college. That makes you a far more confident investment than someone who shows up late in the game hoping for a miracle.
Don’t Wait to Get Aggressive
Recruiting is already a challenging journey—don’t make it harder by waiting until the last minute. Start building relationships, start showing up, and start giving coaches a reason to believe in you.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to navigate the process with clarity and confidence, I believe my book will help.
Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
Find the book, free recruiting resources, and schedule a free strategy session at: www.coachmattrogers.com
