Decisions regarding a student’s college education are among the most important that a family will make
in a lifetime. It still amazes me how little effort is put into. I am also shocked that families aren’t concerned about the recruiting process when I hear comments
like, “He/she is only a junior” or “the coach will find them.”
In a recent survey with college coaches, 30% stated that they identify freshmen, 45% sophomores, and 25% juniors to
recruit. No coaches said that they start by identifying seniors. With this information, why would families be so nonchalant about a decision that will affect the student-athlete’s
life in such a profound manner?
The biggest problem that families face in the world of college selection is that they don’t know if the
recruiting process is working well for them until it is too late. Competing at
the collegiate level is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you can’t go back and redo the recruiting portion if it
fails.
There are two key issues that families must understand when going through the recruiting process. First, it is important for families to take a pro-active approach.
In many ways, it is like seeking out a job. After all, upon graduation
from college, will a graduate send out resumes or just sit by the phone and wait for an employer to call? Secondly, families must recognize that they need to be “educated shoppers” for college. Colleges are businesses and families must do their homework to find the best product. Having several colleges wanting the student-athlete will only benefit the family’s
wallet in the end.
The month of November is the initial (early) signing period for the National Letter of Intent. Most people think of this time as the signing period for a high profile sport like basketball, but coaches
in many sports get commitments from athletes in the early signing period. If
a family isn’t concerned about the recruiting process before their child’s senior year, then when does a family
start to worry? Phone calls from coaches may begin July 1st (at the
latest) prior to the student’s senior year. If an athlete isn’t receiving
phone calls from coaches after this time, he or she is not being seriously recruited.
So when should the family start the recruiting process? As soon
as possible!
