The Unwritten Rules of College Recruiting
With new opportunities ahead, the college recruiting process should be an exciting time; yet, it’s often met with stress and confusion. Many athletes are unsure of where to start, how to navigate the process, and what the next few years will hold. With the right guidance, figuring out this next step doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here are some tips to guide you through the process.
Phone Calls
Respect coaches’ time by responding promptly and during appropriate hours. They’re often talking to many athletes, so if you don’t respond, they might turn their attention elsewhere. Plan your phone calls to limit distractions and be fully present. The swim season can get busy, so keep your calendar updated to avoid missing scheduled calls.
During calls, coaches will often ask if you have any questions. Having a few thoughtful ones prepared can make a great impression. Even something simple like, “Do the men’s and women’s teams get along?” can open up a deeper conversation about the team culture.
Don’t be afraid to express concerns either, as it shows that you’re taking the opportunity seriously and are thinking carefully about your decision. Coaches appreciate recruits who are genuinely invested in the process.
College Visits
If a coach invites you to come visit a school for a weekend or even just a day, it’s a valuable opportunity. It means that they want to meet you, show you the school, and see how you fit in with the team. Visits should be seen as a gift, not an expectation.
During official and unofficial visits, you’re assessing the team, but they’re also assessing you. Think of the recruiting process as a multi-step interview, with the official visit being one of the most important stages.
Team members want to know if you’re someone they’d enjoy being around, if you align with the team’s goals, and if you’d be a positive addition to the group. They’re looking for someone who will add value, rather than detract from the team dynamic. With that being said, there are some things to keep in mind when on a visit.
- How you treat the other recruits and your hosts can indicate how you will treat your future teammates.
- Your behavior on the visit speaks louder than anything you say about your character.
- Showing genuine interest in the program and putting in effort makes the visit more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.
Be Yourself
Some recruiting trips might include 15-20 recruits. Being yourself is what will make you stand out. Many athletes think they have to talk about their sport the entire time, but team members want to get to know the person behind the swimmer. Luckily, the swim world is small, so it’s usually easy to find mutual connections and common ground.
These could be the people you spend the next four years with. Get to know them, ask questions, and figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
The Attitude of Gratitude
Express gratitude at every stage of the recruiting process. Thank coaches for their time on the phone, for inviting you to visit, and for watching you compete. It goes a long way.
During visits, team members often miss out on social plans, study sessions, and time to rest and recover to give you a memorable experience. Be sure to thank them. When the trip is over, it’s great to send a text thanking them for the meals, their time, and anything they did to make you feel welcome.
Ending The Relationship Respectfully
Once you make a verbal commitment, let the other programs know quickly and respectfully. Call the coaches and let them know that you’re grateful for their time but have decided to commit elsewhere. This courteous approach leaves no hard feelings.
Additionally, coaches and athletes move around constantly. You may never expect to transfer, but thousands enter the transfer portal every year. With that in mind, a coach you decline today could be on your pool deck in the future, either because you transfer or they change jobs.
Regardless of the situation, you’ll likely cross paths with these coaches at meets. A polite “no, thank you” is always better than silence. It might feel awkward, but coaches hear it all the time, and they’ll appreciate your honesty.
Final Takeaways
At the end of the day, the college recruiting process is about finding the best fit for you in and out of the pool. Focus on your priorities, take the time to connect with people, and trust that the right program will recognize your value.