Instagram posts announcing college sports commitment make the process look easy, but a lot of the real work happens off the playing field. Students have to attend prospect camps, contact coaches, update videos, and balance schoolwork. In an effort to better understand the commitment process, this reporter spoke to some faculty who have helped with the commitment process and students who have committed .
As committed athletes explained, the best way to start the recruiting process is simply by creating a list of a wide variety of schools and then narrowing it down based on size, location, academic and financial needs. As students continue the process, they can begin to streamline their list and reach out to schools to understand more about their specific team culture. According to many committed students interviewed, it’s important to keep an open mind when exploring schools and to start to establish a strong relationship with the program and coach.
The commitment process has recently become more digital with highlight videos, online recruiting platforms, and social media all playing a major role in connecting athletes and coaches. In addition, the introduction of NIL (name, image, and likeness) and the transfer portal empowers student-athletes to consider much more than just an academic and athletic fit to a school.
Mr. Park, one of Pingree’s college counselors explained, “Similar to the college search and application experience in general, I’d recommend students to start early and take ownership. While you don’t need to manage everything on your own – it’s absolutely appropriate (and necessary) to reach out to coaches, parents/guardians, and counselors to support you – it’s imperative that you initiate, stay organized, and be proactive in communicating your goals and hopes.”
Isla Cleveland (senior), committed to Leigh University for lacrosse. Her advice is to “approach the recruiting process with wide open arms, be open, anything can happen, so try to be optimistic, but realistic. It is a part time job, so get ready to juggle high school and recruitment. If you think a school is too much of a reach, you won’t know until you try so go to their camp. It is tiring both physically and emotionally, but I enjoyed it. I met so many new people and friends that I am still close with now. You only get better from the experience.”
Alexa Blaeser (senior), committed to Connecticut College for field hockey. She said, “I took into consideration a team/school’s culture and values to see how they aligned with mine. When I was interested in the schools, I would go to their clinics and play at showcases where I knew they would see me play. Be persistent, stay in contact with coaches, and find ways to stick out. Everything happens for a reason, and if one school doesn’t work out how you want it, it’s because something better is waiting.”
Jonah Richardson (senior), committed to University of Maine for football. He said to “Be Patient. There are so many ups and downs in recruiting and you never know what to expect. Coaches will stop reaching out, you might not get the offer that you wanted but staying patient and waiting until you know it’s right is the best advice I can give. There were many times when I thought I’d be going to a specific school, just for that to change within minutes. Don’t try to rush anything to get it over with, but wait until you feel it in your gut that the school is the right fit. See as many schools as you can and always stay open-minded.”
By learning more about the team’s culture, the academics of the school, and differences between D1, D2, and D3, students can think about what will be the best fit for them. Mr Park explained, “Students often think athletic skill/talent alone guarantees recruitment, but coaches also prioritize academics, character, and fit within their program. Students should remember that coaches are investing not only in their athletic progress, but also their personal growth.”
The Pingree website features a useful “Guide for the College-Bound Athlete” which covers subjects like when and where to begin, a calendar and checklist, ways to communicate with the schools and an overview of the process. Congratulations to all of the Pingree student-athletes who committed this year!
