Tips to Get Recruited
Navigating the Path to College Athletic Success

The college recruiting process can be both exciting and daunting, but it's a journey worth pursuing if you’re passionate about playing sports at the next level. Having experienced it firsthand, I can tell you that playing a collegiate sport brings valuable life lessons, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. However, the process requires discipline, effort, and strategic planning to stand out among the sea of talent. Here are updated and detailed tips to help you navigate the path to college athletic success.

1. Start Early and Do Your Research

Begin the recruiting process as early as your freshman or sophomore year in high school. Early research gives you a head start in understanding which colleges offer programs in your sport, what their academic and athletic requirements are, and what their coaching staff looks for in recruits. Create a list of target schools based on factors like location, academic programs, team performance, and the culture you want to be a part of.
TIP: Look beyond just the athletic side. Check out the roster and see what majors current athletes are pursuing. If most players major in business, but you’re passionate about biology, you’ll want to investigate if you can balance your major with athletics at that school.

2. Focus on Academics

While athletic performance is crucial, your academic record plays an equally important role in the recruitment process. College coaches want well-rounded athletes who can handle the demands of both academics and sports. Maintaining a solid GPA throughout high school not only opens doors to more schools but also increases your eligibility for academic scholarships.

TIP: Avoid overloading yourself with difficult courses in your freshman year if you think it will lower your GPA. It's harder to raise your GPA later on, so set a strong academic foundation from the start.

3. Build a Strong Athletic Profile

Your athletic profile is your resume to college coaches. Keep it up to date with your latest achievements, statistics, and highlights. Participate in high-level club teams, sports camps, and tournaments to showcase your talent. Creating a professional-looking highlight reel is critical—it should be short, focused, and display your best performances.

TIP: Attend showcases or tournaments that are aligned with your skill level. Consult your coaches to ensure you’re attending events that will give you the best visibility.

4. Engage with College Coaches—Attend Camps and Clinics

Take the initiative to make direct contact with coaches. Personalized emails expressing your interest, along with your athletic profile and highlights, can go a long way. Attending college camps and ID clinics is another great way to show interest and gain exposure. Coaches want to see consistent improvement, so attending multiple camps over time can keep you on their radar.

TIP: Make sure to visit campuses, either for official or unofficial visits. This gives coaches a sense of your genuine interest and gives you the chance to experience the team culture firsthand.

5. Leverage Online Recruiting Platforms

Recruiting platforms like NCSA, Hudl, or BeRecruited can help increase your visibility. Create detailed profiles showcasing your athletic accomplishments, videos, and academic achievements. These platforms allow you to network with coaches who may not have seen you otherwise.

TIP: Not all recruiting platforms are created equal, so do your research to find the best fit for your sport. Some platforms may be more targeted toward certain sports or divisions.

6. Seek Guidance from Coaches and Counselors

Your high school and club coaches are valuable resources. They often have connections with college coaches and can provide referrals and recommendations. Additionally, your school counselor can ensure that you are on track academically and taking the right courses to meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

TIP: Start talking to your school counselors and coaches by 8th grade or early in high school. Early communication ensures they know your goals and can help you stay on the right track both academically and athletically.

7. Stay Organized and Consistent

The recruiting process can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing schoolwork, training, and reaching out to colleges. Keep a spreadsheet or detailed notes of the schools you’ve contacted, deadlines for applications, and any feedback you receive from coaches. Stay proactive in following up with coaches to show your commitment.

TIP: Organization is key to ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. You’ll need to juggle multiple communications, application timelines, and showcase events, so staying on top of it will help reduce stress.

8. Be Persistent and Resilient

Recruitment is a competitive process, and not every school or coach will respond. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get immediate feedback. Keep refining your skills, reaching out to more schools, and maintaining a positive mindset. Often, persistence pays off.

TIP: Develop a thick skin for constructive criticism and rejection. Some schools may not have a spot for you, but this doesn’t reflect on your abilities. Continue to seek out other opportunities.

Wrap-Up

Getting recruited for college athletics is a combination of athletic performance, academic dedication, and proactive effort. By starting early, focusing on both your studies and sports, and consistently engaging with coaches and recruiting platforms, you can significantly increase your chances of getting recruited. The process may be tough, but with persistence and the right approach, the rewards—both on and off the field—are worth it.

Embrace the journey and remember: the key to success lies in your preparation, perseverance, and passion for the sport.

Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here.
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