Senior January & February. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Senior Athlete’s Guide
Okay! You are in the last leg of your senior year. It is an exciting time as you prepare to graduate and move to the next phase of your life. However, it’s not time to check out just yet. If you’re an athlete looking to play sports in college, this is a critical time in your recruiting process. Not to worry, we’ve put together a checklist of things you should do in January and February to help you stay on track and accomplish your goals during this phase of the recruiting process.
Review and Adjust Your Personal List of Recruiting Resolutions
It’s time to start the year off by reviewing and adjusting your personal list of recruiting resolutions. Set SMART goals that will help you stay on track throughout the recruiting process at this phase. Focus on what you want to accomplish, and what steps you need to take to accomplish these goals. Remember, the more specific your goals are, the more clarity you have, and the easier it would be to make progress.
Make Phone Calls
If you have not done so already, it’s time to start making phone calls. On average, a college coach receives less than ten phone calls a week from their recruits. Making a phone call is valuable in a number of different ways, and your conversation will help guide you closer to making a final decision (or having one made for you…from the coach). It may seem intimidating, but the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Plan and Practice Phone Conversations
It is ill-advised to make phone calls without planning and practicing what you will say. Your conversation should be natural, but also have a clear intention. You want to get to know the coach and vice versa. Build rapport but also ask questions that will help you make informed decisions regarding your college choice. Tone of Voice is essential, so keep it professional and confident.
Attend Showcases and Camps (if applicable)
January and February is a great time to attend showcases and camps. It is an excellent way to showcase your skills and talents to college coaches actively recruiting. Be strategic when selecting which showcase/camp to attend. Research the programs and coaches who will be in attendance. Doing so will give you an idea of the level of competition, exposure, and the chances of getting recruited.
Stay Focused on Your Academics
Finally, staying focused on your academics is essential as a student-athlete. Maintaining good grades in your senior year can make a difference in the college admission process. Coaches want athletes who take their schoolwork seriously and show discipline in their academic pursuits. Make sure you are on track to meet the NCAA eligibility requirements, and don’t let your academics slide during this critical and final phase of the recruiting process.
Conclusion:
There you have it, seniors! A checklist of things you should focus on during January and February to stay on track and accomplish your recruiting goals. Keep in mind, this is only the beginning of your journey, and a lot more work needs to be done. Stay focused, put in the hard work, and believe in yourself. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself signing a letter of intent and starting college with wide eyes and open hearts (can’t lose!). Can you believe spring is around the corner?!