College Sports recruiting apps. Advantages and Disadvantages. To pay or not to pay. Part 2 of 3

In part 2 of College Sports recruiting apps, I’d like to focus on the disadvantages of some sports recruiting apps and relying on them too much in your recruitment strategy. College sports recruiting apps can be incredibly useful for athletes, coaches, and recruiters, but they do have some disadvantages. Here are a few to consider:

1. Overemphasis on Metrics: These apps often focus heavily on statistics and performance metrics, which can sometimes overshadow other important factors like teamwork, leadership qualities, and work ethic. Analytics are nice, but they are only one part of what a Coach is looking for. Some recruiting apps admittedly focus on metrics and these apps should not be the only types of recruiting apps a student uses in their strategy.
2. Cost: Some recruiting apps require a subscription or fees, which might be a barrier for some athletes or families. These fees usually start around $19.99 per month and can go as high as $6500 annually for a full recruiting service package. As I mentioned last week when a user pays for any feature they are paying to be ranked higher in the searches of College Coaches. Be sure to mix free apps with some paid apps and remember the more apps used the wider reach a user will have with coaches. No coach uses every recruiting app and most Coaches will not care if you paid for a subscription or upgrade to rank higher in their searches.
3. Privacy Concerns: With personal data and athletic performance being shared online, there are potential privacy issues. Athletes need to be mindful of what information they’re sharing and with whom. For prospects aged 16 or younger I suggest using the contact information of a parent or guardian. Look for apps with safeguards of your personal data and  be sure to read policies related to privacy and sharing of your  information carefully.
4. Increased Competition: As more athletes use these apps, the competition can become more intense, making it harder for individual athletes to stand out. Do your research and find 4 or 5 apps that suit your needs. Keep in mind some apps focus on many sports and others are sports specific. A mix of free, paid, and sport specific apps will give you a wide reach and help you become visible to more Coaches.
5. Dependency on Technology: Over-reliance on these apps might reduce face-to-face interactions and personal relationships, which are still crucial in the recruiting process. Remember one of the most important parts of the recruiting process is developing a personal relationship with the Head Coach and their staff.
6. Limited Personalization: Algorithms and automated processes might not fully capture an athlete’s unique qualities, showcase academic achievement, or highlight a fit for a particular program. Apps are not designed to be a substitute for the qualities a Coach is looking for, They are designed to expand and enhance a prospects reach and help promote them. Be sure to keep the function of the app in perspective and what it realistically can help you accomplish.
7. Distraction from Development: Focusing too much on the recruiting process can sometimes distract athletes from their actual training and performance improvements.

Using these apps effectively requires balancing their benefits with a mindful approach to other aspects of recruiting and personal development.

If you are interested in learning more about the PrepSearch app and being notified when it’s available or know someone else who may be interested please visit the link below. I hope you’ll share with others as well. Please check out the rest of my website to learn more about PrepSearch and how I’ve helped over 1700 students attend college using sports since 2007.

https://prepsearch.net/app/

EM