Our last blog focused on what not to do as a parent during the recruiting process. If you missed it, you can click here to read it. Although we discussed the “don’ts”, parents should not be scared into thinking they need to be completely hands-off when it comes to recruiting. Parents play a vital role in the process, and I don’t mean just writing checks. It’s not only about being encouraging. There are more tangible and actionable ways you can help.
First, as a parent, you have to understand the pressure of this process on your child. The recruiting process is a family process, but there is one person who has nearly all the weight on their shoulders. That person is your child. Every time your child performs in front of coaches they are being judged. Every performance matters, so every performance brings pressure.
- Make them take ownership: Don’t write their emails. Don’t do all the college research. This only leads to frustration on your part. If they want to be recruited, they have to put some effort in beyond the field. The sharing of effort will alleviate some tension. If the only ownership your child has is “playing”, they will undoubtedly feel more pressure, and you will feel more frustrated when the performance doesn’t quite impress the masses.
- Make them speak to coaches: If your child attends a camp or a showcase where they are allowed to interact with coaches, make them interact with coaches. Now, it’s not a networking social. Coaches hate when a kid shakes their hand, says ‘you’re my top choice’, then goes to the next coach and does the same until they’ve lied to every coach at the event. Pick out a handful of schools to speak with and make your child speak to them. This gives them ownership, and also gets them accustomed to that interaction. It’s not easy to speak to college coaches. Oh, and don’t stand over their shoulder either. Coaches see that.
- Understand the market: If you are planning to sell your home, you will do some research on the prices of similar homes. You might not like the prices of the similar homes, but if you are defiant and list your $300k home at $1.5m, then you’re going to have a long (and disappointing) sale process. Same goes for recruiting. If you research the market and refuse to believe your child’s true ability, you are only hurting them. Get an outside opinion on their ability. This opinion should come from a source who knows the difference between a D1/2/3 player.
- Know your budget: Do your homework financially to know what you are prepared to pay for college. Are you okay with your child taking out loans? Knowing your budget will pave a clear path. There is no use in pursuing schools that are out of the price range. To help understand your budget and the path to getting financial aid, we would recommend College Funding Services. CFS helps families navigate the financial aid process the same way The Recruiting Coaches helps families navigate the recruiting process.
- Know what you don’t know: Understand that this process is not innate. You don’t wake up one day knowing how to get your child recruited. Get help where you need help. If you don’t know where to start, or you think you are going down a rabbit hole, then find a resource to help you. Possibly a summer coach, or a high school coach with experience sending players to college. We happen to know a pretty good resource! Click here to schedule your recruiting consultation.
