How to use this checklist
Work through each section at your own pace. You don't
need to complete everything in one day. The goal is to
build an organized recruiting process and consistently
move it forward.
College recruiting involves a lot of moving pieces.
Keeping track of your profile, schools, coach communication,
academics, video and follow-ups can quickly become
overwhelming.
This checklist gives you one place to keep track of the
major steps. Some items may take minutes, while others
should become ongoing habits throughout your recruitment.
Start by understanding your goals and getting the basic
information you'll need throughout your recruitment.
Know your graduation year
Make sure your recruiting information consistently
shows the correct class year.
Define your college goals
Think about academics, athletics, location, campus
environment and the type of college experience you want.
Identify your primary sport and position
Include your position, event or role where relevant.
Understand the college recruiting process
Learn how coaches evaluate athletes and how recruiting
differs by sport and level.
Discuss recruiting goals with your family
Make sure everyone understands the athlete's goals,
expectations and timeline.
Understand your current athletic level
Be realistic about where you currently fit while
recognizing that athletes continue to develop.
Coaches need accurate information to evaluate you.
Make your profile easy to understand and keep it updated.
Add your basic athlete information
Name, location, graduation year, sport and position.
Add your height and relevant measurements
Include measurements that matter for your sport.
Add your academic information
Keep GPA, test scores and academic information current.
Add athletic achievements
Include relevant awards, statistics, honors and results.
Add your current team information
Include high school, club, academy or other relevant team.
Add a quality highlight video
Make it easy for coaches to see your athletic ability.
Keep your profile current
Your recruiting profile should change as you develop.
Update new statistics, achievements, video and academic
information rather than letting your profile become outdated.
Don't build your list around rankings alone. Look for
schools that fit your athletic, academic and personal goals.
Create an initial school list
Start broad and research programs that could fit you.
Research the coaching staff
Learn who the coaches are and how to contact the program.
Review current rosters
Look at the athletes currently on the team and their profiles.
Research academics
Make sure the school offers programs that fit your goals.
Research location and campus
Consider whether you would actually enjoy living there.
Consider multiple college levels
Don't automatically eliminate programs because they aren't
Division I.
Take a proactive approach. Introduce yourself professionally
and give coaches the information they need to evaluate you.
Find the correct coach contact
Identify the appropriate head coach, assistant coach
or recruiting contact.
Personalize your introduction
Explain why you're interested in that specific program.
Include your key recruiting information
Graduation year, sport, position, school and relevant
athletic information.
Include your recruiting profile
Give the coach a simple way to learn more about you.
Include your highlight video or film
Make your video easy to access.
Keep a record of every coach you contact
Track dates, responses, follow-ups and next steps.
Quality beats quantity
Sending hundreds of identical emails isn't a recruiting
strategy. Research programs and make your outreach relevant
to each coach and school.
Recruiting is rarely decided by one email. Stay organized
and continue communicating professionally.
Follow up after your first message
Give coaches another opportunity to see your information.
Share meaningful updates
New film, statistics, achievements, events or results
can give you a reason to reconnect.
Respond promptly to interested coaches
Professional communication matters throughout recruiting.
Keep your coach conversations organized
Know which programs are interested and what each coach
has asked for.
Continue following up appropriately
Avoid disappearing from the process simply because a
coach hasn't replied to your first message.
Your academic profile can affect both your eligibility
and the schools available to you.
Keep your grades strong
Don't allow recruiting to distract from your education.
Keep your academic information updated
Make sure coaches have your latest academic information.
Understand school admission requirements
Research what your target schools require academically.
Research eligibility requirements
Understand the requirements that apply to your college
athletic pathway.
Don't rely on one source of exposure. Give yourself
multiple opportunities to be evaluated.
Attend relevant showcases or camps
Look for legitimate opportunities that fit your level
and recruiting goals.
Keep your highlight video updated
Add strong new footage as your season progresses.
Continue developing athletically
Your recruiting profile should improve as you improve.
Communicate new achievements to coaches
Give interested programs a reason to keep evaluating you.
Continue researching new programs
Your target list can change as you develop and learn more.
When opportunities begin developing, look at the complete
picture rather than making a decision based on one factor.
Compare athletic opportunities
Consider your potential role, competition and development.
Compare academic programs
Make sure the college supports your long-term goals.
Understand the financial package
Consider athletic aid, academic scholarships and other
available financial assistance.
Speak with the coaching staff
Ask questions about the program, your role and expectations.
Consider the overall college fit
Think about academics, athletics, campus, location and
your life outside of your sport.
Make an informed decision
Take the time to understand your options before committing.
