Common recruiting mistakes coaches should help players avoid

Navigating the college recruiting process can be challenging for high school and juniors volleyball players. As a coach, you can play a major role in guiding your athletes on this journey. Understanding common recruiting mistakes is essential. Here are some pitfalls to watch for and how you can help your players avoid them.

Note: If you want a full guide to the recruiting process, for yourself and/or your players, check out The College Volleyball Recruiting Playbook.

1. Starting the Process Too Late

Common Recruiting Mistake: Many athletes don’t begin thinking about college recruiting until their junior or senior year, missing key opportunities to connect with coaches earlier (within the rules, of course).

How Coaches Can Help: Ideally, players should begin researching schools and creating a recruiting profile by their sophomore year. Early planning allows them to develop relationships with college coaches over time, attend appropriate camps and showcases, and get on coaches’ radars well before senior year. It also helps them better understand the options available to them.

2. Failing to Create a Strong Recruiting Profile

Common Recruiting Mistake: Players often overlook the importance of a comprehensive recruiting profile, which should include academic achievements, relevant athletic details, and highlight videos.

How Coaches Can Help: Guide your athletes in building a professional recruiting profile. Ensure they include up-to-date academic records and athletic information. Help them select the best game footage for their highlight videos. Reviewing and refining their profiles together can make a significant difference in how they are perceived by college coaches.

3. Overlooking Academics

Common Recruiting Mistake: Some players focus solely on their athletic abilities and neglect the academic standards required for college admission and NCAA eligibility.

How Coaches Can Help: Stress the importance of academic performance from day one. Regularly check in with your athletes about their grades and ensure they are meeting NCAA eligibility requirements. Encourage them to take challenging courses that reflect well on their academic commitment and prepare them for college-level work. Remind them that many schools prioritize student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom. Also reinforce that stronger academics mean both better school options and improved prospects to get non-athletic funding (i.e. academic scholarships).

4. Targeting the Wrong Schools

Common Recruiting Mistake: Players sometimes target schools based solely on their athletic programs or prestige, without considering factors like academic fit, campus culture, or geographical location.

How Coaches Can Help: Assist your players in developing a balanced list of target schools. Help them consider all aspects, including the level of competition, academic programs, financial aid, and personal preferences. Encourage them to research schools at different levels—NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO—and to think about what environment will best support their overall growth. Importantly, help them have the right perspective on their level of play.

5. Ineffective Communication with College Coaches

Common Recruiting Mistake: Many players don’t know how to communicate effectively with college coaches, leading to missed opportunities or miscommunication.

How Coaches Can Help: Guide your athletes in crafting professional, personalized emails to college coaches. Show them how to introduce themselves, express interest in the program, and highlight their academic and athletic strengths. Role-playing conversations can help players gain confidence in phone and face-to-face interactions. Regularly reviewing their communication strategy ensures they are presenting themselves in the best possible light.

6. Neglecting Social Media Presence

Common Recruiting Mistake: In today’s digital age, players’ social media profiles are often the first impression a coach gets. Poorly managed accounts can hurt a player’s chances – or even destroy them.

How Coaches Can Help: Educate your players about the importance of maintaining a positive social media presence. Encourage them to use platforms like Instagram to share their achievements and connect with college programs. Remind them that coaches may look at their profiles to get a sense of their character and professionalism, so it’s crucial to keep content appropriate and relevant.

7. Ignoring NCAA and NAIA Rules

Common Recruiting Mistake: Failing to understand and adhere to recruiting rules can lead to unintended violations that may affect a player’s eligibility. Beyond that, it also helps avoid putting college recruiters in awkward situations, which they appreciate.

How Coaches Can Help: Stay informed about the latest NCAA and NAIA recruiting rules – especially the recruiting calendar – and educate your players and their families about them. Make sure they understand key dates, communication guidelines, and eligibility requirements. Keeping everyone informed helps avoid unnecessary complications in the recruiting process.

8. Not Being Prepared for College Visits

Common Recruiting Mistake: College visits are a crucial part of the recruiting process, but players often go into them unprepared, missing the opportunity to make a strong impression and gain valuable information.

How Coaches Can Help: Prepare your players for college visits by discussing what to expect and the questions they should ask. Help them reflect on what they want to learn about the program, the team culture, and the school itself. Encourage them to take notes and follow up with a thank-you email to the coaches and staff they met.

9. Over-committing or Making Early Verbal Commitments

Common Recruiting Mistake: Some athletes feel pressured to make a verbal commitment early in the process, sometimes before they are ready or have fully explored their options.

How Coaches Can Help: Advise your players to take their time when making verbal commitments. Remind them that they should feel confident in their decision and understand what they are committing to. Encourage them to ask questions and be sure they are making the best choice for their future, both athletically and academically.

10. Lack of Persistence and Follow-Up

Common Recruiting Mistake: Players often give up too soon if they don’t receive immediate responses from coaches, missing the opportunity to build relationships over time.

How Coaches Can Help: Teach your players the importance of persistence in the recruiting process. Encourage them to follow up with coaches they haven’t heard back from and to keep coaches updated on their progress and achievements. Regular communication shows interest and dedication, which can help keep them on a coach’s radar.

Conclusion

Avoiding common recruiting mistakes can make a significant difference in your players’ chances of being recruited. As their coach, your guidance is extremely valuable in navigating the complexities of the recruiting process. By helping them steer clear of these pitfalls, you empower your athletes to pursue their collegiate volleyball goals with confidence and success. And don’t forget that your own relationships with college coaches matter as well.

Again, be sure to check out The College Volleyball Recruiting Playbook for additional information and insight into the college volleyball recruiting process.