5 Common Misconceptions Athletes Make During the Recruiting Process

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the recruiting process. Below we will discuss 5 common misconceptions in the recruiting process, and how to avoid making mistakes that could interfere with your recruitment.

1. “College coaches will find me”
Many athletes think that just because they are going to a recruiting tournament/showcase, that they will be seen by college coaches.  While you will be seen by coaches at a showcase,  proactively letting colleges know that you are interested can improve your chances of being seen by them and put you on their radar.  Reach out to the schools you are interested in, and send them your team information, your jersey number, and your schedule. 

2. “I won’t start the recruiting process now, I have time”
Most college coaches start the recruiting process as early as they can in accordance with NCAA rules.  If you wait until Senior year or even late Junior year,  a lot of opportunities you could’ve had, may be gone. Once you identify that you might want to play in college, begin identifying schools that you are interested in. Visit as many schools as you can, contact those coaches, and attend prospect clinics at those schools! 

3. “My athletics are more important than my grades” 
While athletic ability may be important on the field, academic ability is important in keeping you on the field.  If your GPA does not meet the NCAAs minimum requirements, you will have a hard time in the recruiting process.  If you aren’t up to the schools requirements The higher your GPA, the more options you will have!

4. “College coaches have reached out to my coach, so I am being recruited”
Sometimes college coaches reach out to high school or club coaches to get a background on an athlete they see potential in.  This can be an early step in their recruiting process but it does not mean they are recruiting you.  If a college coach is recruiting an athlete, they will contact the athlete directly.  It is also important to keep the communication up with college coaches to build rapport and keep them involved in your recruiting process.

5. “I’m playing in a tournament so college coaches will discover me”
College coaches can discover new talent at tournaments but that is not the sole reason they attend.  College coaches typically have a list of athletes that are already on their radar to watch at tournaments.  If you are not on their list, they may never find you.  Attending tournaments is a part of the athletes recruiting plan, but it is important to reach out to schools you are interested in so that you can get on their list to watch. 

Great players miss out on the opportunity to play at their school of choice everyday because of these misconceptions! If you want to play college lacrosse, you need to do everything in your power to put yourself in the best position to be recruited! Any of these 5 misconceptions could leave you with regrets, and make you wonder “what if”. You will not regret contacting coaches, visiting schools, starting the process early, or getting good grades. If you can do these things you will be putting yourself in the best possible position to play at the next level.

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