The college recruiting process is a marathon, not a sprint. Just as there are different stages when running a race there are different phases in the college recruiting process. In order to navigate through the process successfully it is important you understand each phase and the role that they play. Each phase of the recruiting process has checkpoints or tasks that you must complete before you reach the finish line which in this case means you are a college bound student-athlete. The ultimate goal is to find the school that will provide you with the best college experience, academically, athletically, and personally or socially.
Whenever we enter a new stage in our life, whether it’s a new school, a new team, a new job, or a new relationship, there is so much excitement that we may sprint out of the gate. We are anxious for how the journey will undoubtedly change us for the better and we’re excited to get there as fast as we can. We often make the mistake of trying to get to the destination or finish line as quickly as possible and in the college recruiting process that will undoubtedly not work.
When you decide you are going to run a marathon, it’s not a spur of the moment decision, you have to prepare and train for the race. The recruiting process is similar, you don’t wake up one morning and say, “I think I want to play in college.” For most athletes, it is something they have been dreaming of for a long time. I knew that I wanted to play soccer in college, even before I knew what that meant. You need to prepare for the process, invest time in the process , and commit to the process.
Creating a Game Plan
You need to develop a plan on how you will attack the process. What are the things you need to know before you start? What are the things you need to do? Once you have created your plan, you need to schedule time to dedicate to your college search and recruiting process. I recommend blocking 30-60 minutes a week towards the recruiting process.
“GFS provides a curricular and organized plan to help student-athletes stay focused from the time they decide they want to play. It works for freshmen to seniors who are active in the recruiting process and the ones who are most engaged and involved in their process succeed.”
Tom Gosselin, Assistant Coach PSU Berks, Staff Coach at Westmont United
Start the process early (at least 3 months prior to first contact date; March of sophomore year) in order to educate yourself, research schools, and contact college coaches. As you learn how the process works behind the scenes, you can begin to form your game plan, promoting your academic and athletic achievements to successfully attract coaches and schools you are interested in. The college search process is a journey full of adventure. Be sure to explore all of your options. Keep an open mind. Do your homework and seek out the appropriate help to find the answers you need. It is your future. You’re worth it.
ARE YOU READY TO START DESIGNING YOUR PATHWAY TO COLLEGE SPORTS?
Do you have aspirations of continuing your academic and soccer career at the next level? The recruiting process can be difficult to navigate if you don’t have a clear road map to guide you. If you have the burning desire to play in college than there is a school out there that will provide you with the best college experience, academically, athletically, and personally. Designing Your Pathway to College Sports workbook will educate you on what it takes to play at the next level, how the college recruiting process works, and how to be a successful student-athlete who excels in the classroom, on the field, and in their personal lives. The goal is to get you engaged in the recruiting process and to empower you to do the work and find the best college fit.
Visit www.GuidingFutureStarsAcademy.com to learn more about GFS or to purchase your copy of Designing Your Pathway to College Sports workbook to start planning for your academic and athletic future.
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About the Author
Christopher J. Stack is the founder and CEO of Guiding Future Stars, a student-athlete development company that is committed to educate prospective student-athletes, parents, and coaches about what it takes to play at the next level, how the college recruiting process works, and how to be a successful student-athlete who excels in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.
A former Division I soccer player and coach at Mount St. Mary's University, he holds a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Sports Management and an MBA in Marketing. He worked in intercollegiate athletics for over 12 years. He started his career in college administration in rec sports and eventually transitioned into student-athlete academic support. He has the unique experience of being a collegiate coach as well as working closely with student-athletes on the academic and personal development side.
Stack now enjoys using his higher education experience to help high school students achieve their dreams of playing college sports while also gaining a first rate education.
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