Gettin’ Schooled with Grayson: How do I utilize my high school coaches?
Over the past ten weeks, Grayson Williams-Krebs has been an outstanding addition to the CoachUp family as a hard-working intern that knows the passion required to play sports after high school. Although she’s headed back to the West Coast for her senior year at the University of Puget Sound and the final preseason of her career, we realized that Grayson should continue her work with us outside of the office. That’s why we’re launching a new series called Gettin’ Schooled with Grayson!
Check back every other week as Grayson will detail her journey through collegiate sports, answer the tough questions, and help athletes that need inspiration along the way!
Question #1: How do I know if I’m ready for the next level?
Question #2: The Must-Know Terms of Recruitment
Question #3: Should I contact a coach?
How do I utilize my high school coaches?
Although the recruiting process might seem daunting, you have some great resources around you, even if you don’t realize it. From your friends to your family, there’s a support system worth leaning on through your adventure. However, there’s another often asset that often goes unused: your coaches. When you’re stressed, tired, and anxious, consider looking to your coach for advice and help. Here at CoachUp, we strongly believe that the relationship between a coach and an athlete can be a well-rounded mentorship. Take advantage of this relationship by reaching out to your high school coaches and talk to them about what you’re going through.
Believe it or not, the chances are high that your coaches went through the process themselves or have had players go through it before you. In these situations, just having these experiences and expectations in your arsenal will put you at ease. The recruitment process is an endless sea of guesswork and it may seem like it’s tough to keep your head above water. Use your coach to keep you afloat and ask everything that’s raging inside your brain! Their stories from 20 years ago may just be enough to set you back on the right track. And, unlike your friends and family in most situations, they know what you’re going through!
They can tell you how they felt while making the same decisions you’re faced with today. That, ultimately, is invaluable. Additionally, your coaches can help you get in contact with colleges, teach you what to say, consider your choices, and give you an honest evaluation of where you stand in the recruiting process. This, of course, makes them the best of both worlds. The sports community is very well connected, so your coach might know somebody you’re trying to contact — so it’s never too early to network a little bit!
Keep your coaches in the loop of your aspirations and interests, they’ll be able add insight along the way. Since they are, in fact, a coach themselves, they’ll know what information others find valuable. Finally, there’s a good chance that your coach knows you better you do. You’ve played for your coach — perhaps for as long as four years! — and he or she understands the player and person that you are. Have a honest conversation with your coach about your skills and see if they might have suggestions. For these reasons, your coach might be the best resource that you’re not utilizing!
Until next time,
GWK
