How to Get Recognized to Be Recruited

Athletes must self-promote and achieve a high level of performance to attract recruiters. The recruiting process is competitive and athletes with exposure at national level competitions are more visible than athletes at local competitions. Gaining recognition is possible through media, personal contact and the physical demonstration of athletic ability. The athlete must be familiar with NCAA rules to prevent violations and protect the status as an eligible recruit. The recruitment process begins in the junior year of high school but demonstrated success before the junior year gains early attention from the recruiters and coaches.

Things You'll Need

  • Prospective college list
  • Resume
  • Introduction letter
  • Highlight video
  • Competition schedule
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build an interest list of colleges and based on the athletic team, coaching staff and academic programs. Create the list during the sophomore year and add or subtract colleges as you research the different programs and gain a desire to attend schools for a specific major or in a specific region. Build a diverse list with local schools, affordable schools, elite schools and any other factors important to you. Scholarships are never a guarantee and a diverse list is important.

    • 2

      Build a resume listing your athletic and academic accomplishments. Include your goals for college and life after college. Write a one-page introduction letter to introduce yourself in a personal manner. Also include a picture to create a visual presence.

    • 3

      Attach a list of future competitions for the recruiter to attend. Compete on a national level if possible because the recruiters will attend to watch multiple prospects. Create a five-minute highlight video with your best moments and add the video and letters to one packet for each school on the list. Mail one packet to the head coach of each school.

    • 4

      Attend summer camps hosted by your top college choices. The summer camps are an opportunity to learn, display your skills and begin a relationship with the staff. Summer camps are one of the few legal means of communicating with coaches before your junior year.

    • 5

      Submit an early application to your top 10 college choices and notify the coaches when you are accepted. You must complete and achieve acceptable scores on the college entrance exams and obtain an average or better than average GPA for most colleges.