Navigating the College Recruiting Process: Empowering Young Athletes to Lead

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When you think your child might want to play their sport in college, it can feel like a whirlwind of questions arises. How early should the recruiting process start? Who should take the lead? And if you're more stressed about it than your athlete, what should you do? These questions and more are the focus of a fascinating conversation between host Valerie Alston and recruiting expert Quincy Lewis-Buggs in a recent episode of "Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations."

Starting the Process

Understanding when and how to begin the recruiting journey is crucial. Quincy emphasizes that the athlete needs to lead the recruiting process. The child will ultimately live this experience, not the parent, lesson instructor, or coach. Some families can become too involved, unaware of the immense value of letting the athlete steer key decisions.

It's recommended for athletes to begin considering their path as early as eighth grade. However, if they aren't ready to start until later, that's acceptable. The goal is to ensure they are comfortable and confident by the time recruitment opportunities peak.

The Importance of Parent Support

Parents, while well-meaning, sometimes inadvertently lead the process using their own judgments, like handling all communications. Quincy notes that if an athlete is genuinely interested in the recruiting process, they should be involved actively. If they’re too young or not ready, it might not be the right time for them to lead the charge.

Having open conversations at home is essential. Discuss interest levels without pressure, allowing for a genuine exploration of desires and readiness.

Practicing and Improvising with Feedback

Young athletes should begin practicing the recruiting process early. They can attend prospect camps, mingle with older college athletes, and gradually familiarize themselves with the collegiate sports environment. Quincy highlights the notion that athletes should try to experience various college environments to determine what appeals to them.

Taking feedback is another critical aspect. When college coaches offer constructive criticism—perhaps to increase speed or improve a certain skill—young athletes should view it as an opportunity to grow rather than a rejection. Coaches prefer recruiting players who demonstrate coachability and a willingness to develop.

Embracing Academic and Athletic Balance

Athletes must also undergo self-evaluation every six months because their priorities often evolve as they adjust to new information and experiences. What a young athlete desires in eighth grade often looks quite different by their sophomore or junior year. However, it's vital that players maintain a balance between academics and athletics, planning decisions that make sense for their futures on all fronts.

Choosing the Right Network

One of the most important undertakings is selecting the correct support and decision-making network. Not everyone's opinion is created equal, especially when it involves specialized contexts. Athletes need a trusted inner circle composed of people who genuinely understand the recruitment landscape.

Making the Process Enjoyable

Ultimately, enjoyment is key. The recruitment process should not become so stressful and serious that it robs young athletes of their love for the game. If playing a sport in high school is only preparation for college sports, the risk is burning out before they even arrive on campus.

The college recruiting process should revolve around the athlete’s personal goals and happiness. As Quincy aptly shares, if you don't enjoy the process and the journey to college, your college athletic career might start on an unsteady note.

In conclusion, as young athletes navigate through the recruiting process, it's crucial to remember that the process is as much about personal growth and enjoyment as it is about finding the right college fit. By maintaining a mindset that's open, coachable, and supportive, young athletes can find a path that's not just successful, but fulfilling and enriching as well.


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