top of page
Search

Guide to getting Recruited to play College Sports


Author:

Tyrese Patrick


“95% of college recruiting takes place online.”

What does that mean? Set up your online presence!


Twitter/X: All college coaches have Twitter. It’s the fastest way to get information and media all in one place for FREE!


  1. Start a Profile: Use your real name for your profile and @ name so that you are easily searchable.

  2. Profile Picture: Keep it neat and in uniform.

  3. Bio: Include your high school name, class year, club team, position, GPA (after freshman year), and ACT/SAT scores (after sophomore year).

  4. Tag Your Location: Make it easy for coaches to see where you’re based.

  5. Link Your Film: It doesn’t matter what site your highlights are on.

  6. Tweet About Camps/Tournaments: Share which camps and tournaments you’re attending and tag college coaches you think need to know.

  7. Share Highlights: Tweet clips of your highlights and tag the coaches you want to attract.

  8. Tweet Achievements: Share your academic and athletic accomplishments.

  9. Pin Highlight Video: Pin your full-season highlight video at the top of your profile for easy access.



Instagram: Instagram shows how marketable you are. Keep your image clean—think Ja Morant, but aim for a positive and professional presence!


  1. Start a Profile: Use your real name for your profile and @ name so that you are easily searchable.

  2. Profile Picture: Keep it neat (it doesn’t need to be as formal as on Twitter).

  3. Bio: Include your high school name, class year, club team, position, and GPA (after freshman year).

  4. Tag Your Location: Make it easy for coaches to see where you’re based.

  5. Link: You can link to highlights, your Twitter, or even an after-school club. Show that you’re not just an athlete but an involved community member.

  6. Post: Keep posts clean and professional. Show your personality and what you do around basketball—training, events, community involvement, etc.



Other Online Profiles: While Twitter and Instagram are the most frequently checked social media platforms, make sure all other profiles are clean and professional.


Bylaws of NCAA


  • NCAA Division 1 college coaches can’t contact student-athletes directly until September 1 of their junior year.

  • NCAA Division 2 coaches can’t reach out until June 15 after sophomore year.


Become NCAA Eligible:


Create your free profile on the NCAA website and certify as an amateur and academically.Complete here: NCAA Eligibility Center


Attending College Camps, Combines, and Contacting Coaches


  1. Find Colleges: Identify colleges where you could see yourself attending.

  2. Research Camps: Check if they have camps for your graduating class.

  3. Sign-Up: Register for the camp.

  4. Reach Out: Contact coaches before attending the camp.


Send an Introduction Email:


Hi Coach _______,

I received your invite to Generic University’s Elite Camp in July and wanted to let you know that I’ve filled out the forms online. I’m looking forward to meeting you and some of the current players, and I’m excited about the campus and athletic facilities tour after our lunch break!

Here is a link to my latest highlight video: [Insert video link]. You can also contact my high school coach, Jane Doe, at coachjane@generic.com or 555-555-1234.

Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me before camp.

Thanks, Taylor Jones

Class of 2024 – Pitcher

Generic High School, Chicago, IL

Phone number: 555-555-5678Social media: @taylor_smith


Lock In and Clock In: Show up to camp focused and ready to prove that you belong there. Be coachable, demonstrate leadership, showcase your skills, and enjoy your time.


Reaching Out After Camps: Send a thank-you email to coaches, letting them know you enjoyed your time. Mention specific interactions with staff or players. Post about your experience on Twitter and tag the coach and program. Include photos, videos, and takeaways from the camp.


Remember: This is how you gain exposure; the coaches will come calling. Continue to develop as a STUDENT-athlete and trust the process. Your high school, club, and training coaches are your biggest references, so maintain a good relationship with them and keep them informed of your goal to play at the college level. Networking is crucial; you never know who will be talking about you. Always make a good impression!

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page