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5. Promote Yourself
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Promote Yourself
STEP 5
We focus on how to be proactive in promoting yourself. As a student-athlete,
you are expected to market your skills to college coaches. A coach
needs to know you are interested in his program.
Athletes who do not
promote themselves will greatly limit their possibilities to earn a
sports scholarship. The amount of effort an athlete puts into promoting
himself will be directly reflected in the outcome of the recruiting
process.
IN STEP 5, YOU WILL LEARN:
1. Ten ways to impress coaches and get on their "A" lists.
2. The importance of creating an email address with your name in it.
3. How to compose a "Letter of Interest" that captures the attention of
the college coaches.
4. How and when to send "Update Letters" in order to keep your name on a coach's
"A" list.
5. How visiting colleges helps you promote yourself.
6. How writing a thank you note sets you apart.
7. The importance of developing a 30 second "Elevator Speech" to describe yourself to
coaches.
8. Helpful tips when communicating with college coaches by phone, in writing and by email.
9. How letters of recommendation can help promote you.
10. The importance of a well-done skills tape/DVD.
11. How to use college sports camps to promote yourself.
12. How making a difference in your community can make a difference in your recruiting game.
Now, go to your Scholarship Workbook and let's get started with STEP 5. Track your progress on your
"Checklist
for Success."
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YOU Are the MVP
of Your Recruiting Game!
You have worked very hard to get where you are today, both academically and athletically. You are the superstar of your recruiting game. You are the MVP, and your future success depends on you! Just like in Friday Night Football, this recruiting game can only be won if the quarterback does his job.
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TOP 10 Ways to
Impress a Coach
Prospective athletes need to figure out how to get on a coach's radar. How can you impress a coach and make yourself stand out from the other student-athletes? Your goal is to stay on the coach's "A" list. Follow our specific tips and you will increase your chances significantly!
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Create an Email Address with Your Name In It
Your first action item is to establish an email address with your name in it. If, possible and applicable, include your jersey number. You will use this email for corresponding with college coaches. Every time you email a coach, he sees your name and becomes more familiar with it.
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Publish Your
Profile Online
There are a few good "profile sites" on the Internet, and we found one that is very well-done and offers its services FOR FREE. The benefit of putting your profile online is so you can direct the coaches to it in your "Letter of Interest." This will give them an opportunity to look you up, right away, and put a face with your name.
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Send Out "Letters of Interest"
"Letters of Interest" are written to the college coaches of the programs you wish to pursue. After you establish your "Top 25 Target List" of schools, you will write a letter to each of the head coaches. (See our articles about "The Right Fit" for guidelines in creating your target list.)
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"Letter of Interest" Guidelines
A "Letter of Interest" is a one-page letter that introduces you to the coach of a college in which you are interested. Your goal is to catch the attention of the coach at the beginning of the letter, so that he will read the entire letter. Once he has determined that he wants more information about you, he will start corresponding with you. Keep in mind, coaches are not allowed to send recruiting materials to student-athletes until . . . more...
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How to Follow Up Your "Letter of Interest"
Sometimes, letters may not arrive on the desk of the coach to whom they were sent. Therefore, it is necessary to make a follow-up phone call or send an email to introduce yourself and ask if your letter arrived. This shows maturity and follow-through on your part. You can keep it short; don't feel as if you have to have a speech prepared. . . . more...
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Send "Update Letters" and Emails to Stay on the Radar
Your goal is to stay in touch with the coach and develop a relationship. After you send "Letters of Interest" to the coaches, you may begin sending updates. Update letters will keep them informed of your progress and achievements. Remember, your goal is to keep a steady stream of information about you coming across the coach's desk. . . . more...
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Letters From Parents to Coaches
After an athlete writes the initial "Letter of Interest," it is perfectly acceptable for parents to correspond with the coaches also. They should not be corresponding more than their child does, but they have every right to be informed about a coach and his program. The whole family is involved in the recruiting process.
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Visit as Many Colleges as Possible
Visiting colleges is one of the most important factors in the recruiting process. Unofficial visits may be made anytime and as often as you like. Official visits may ONLY be made during your senior year. Visiting a college tell the coach that you are really . . . more...
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Thank You Notes Are Very Important
Thank you notes are always a nice touch and will be something that causes you to stand out from the other prospects. Thank you notes should be sent after college visits, after some phone conversations, and to anybody who goes out of their way to help you, such as the writers of your "Letters of Recommendation."
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Develop an "Elevator Speech"
Imagine you were in an elevator with a college coach going up to the 30th floor. If he asked you to tell him your goals and future plans, what would you say? Would you be able to give a quick and clear description of your goals?
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Attend College Sports Camps
Choose your camps wisely. Attend camps at the universities on your "Top 25 Target List," and use them to get recruited. Start the summer before freshman year. Camps give you good exposure to the coaching staff at the college. Just because you are "invited" does not mean that you are being actively recruited.
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Make a Difference in Your Community
College coaches are looking for well-rounded athletes who want to give back to their communities. Being involved in activities to improve your town will speak well of your character and your concern for others.
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TOP 10 TIPS for Corresponding with Coaches - In Writing
Every time you correspond with a coach, try to think of it as an advertisement for you! Not only does it tell him that you are still interested in his program, but it also gives you a chance to pitch your talent and show the value that you can add to the team. Part of your talent is your ability to communicate articulately.
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