How to Move from Prospect to Recruit: 5 Immediate Steps to Enhance Your College Athletic Recruitment

As I’ve mentioned before, the foundation of the PrepSearch program is my college athletics recruiting seminar, designed for students in grades 8-12. This 2-hour session covers as much as possible about the college athletics recruiting process, ensuring that everyone leaves more informed than they entered.

One question I hear consistently after my seminars is: “What can my student do right now to improve their chances of recruitment?” To answer this, I’ve added actionable content to my seminars for both parents and prospective student-athletes (PSAs), offering things they can do immediately to boost their recruitment prospects.

Before I dive into the 5 things that can help a student move from “prospect” to “recruit,” I want to clarify the difference between the two terms.

What is a Prospect?

A prospect is a student-athlete who shows potential in their sport. Here are three key things to remember about prospects:

1. Exceptional Talent : A prospect demonstrates impressive skill, whether through performance metrics, technical ability, or raw athleticism.
2. Potential for Growth: They show promise for improvement with proper coaching and experience.
3. Early Interest from Coaches: A prospect might attract attention from college coaches, even before they’re allowed to communicate directly under NCAA/NAIA rules.

At PrepSearch, my goal is to help as many students as possible transition from being a prospect to a recruit.

What is a Recruit?

Simply put, a recruit is a student who:

• Actively receives direct recruiting communication from college coaches.
• Is invited for official visits to college programs.
• Has been offered a range of opportunities, such as:
  • A full or partial athletic scholarship
  • Financial aid award
  • A “preferred walk-on” opportunity
  • An “unrecruited walk-on” opportunity
  • A financial aid agreement (non-binding, meaning the student can receive the aid whether or not they play the sport).

Now, let’s get back to that critical question: “What can I do right now to increase my chances of recruitment?” Below are 5 immediate actions I recommend to all my clients and the groups I speak to. These steps can help move you from being a prospect to a recruit.

5 Things You Can Do TODAY to Enhance Your Recruitment

1. Register for NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers

The first thing you can do, if you haven’t already, is to register for your NCAA and NAIA eligibility centers.

• NCAA: Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org to create an account and pay the $90 registration fee.
• NAIA: Visit www.play.mynaia.org to create an account and pay the $90 registration fee.

These registrations immediately separate you from prospects who haven’t registered yet and show you’re serious. When reaching out to coaches, always use your NCAA or NAIA eligibility center ID number.

2. Create a Free Digital Presence

Establish a digital presence that highlights your athletic and academic achievements. This can be a simple website or use one of the many free recruiting apps available. I personally recommend the free PrepSearch app as an excellent starting point.

Keep in mind that while some apps are free, others may require a paid upgrade. Don’t hesitate to use multiple platforms since no college coach relies on just one app for recruiting.

3. Develop an Aggressive Email Campaign

A targeted and consistent email campaign is a great way to get noticed by college coaches. Here’s what you should include in your emails:

• A brief introduction explaining why you’re interested in their program (3-5 sentences).
• A headshot and/or action photo.
• Your current GPA.
• SAT/ACT scores.
• NCAA/NAIA eligibility center ID numbers.
• Links to contest footage, including both a full contest and highlight or skill videos.
• References and their contact information.

Personalize each email, do not use templates or send emails to multiple coaches at once. Follow coaches on social media to stay updated on their program’s performance and tailor your message to show you’re genuinely interested in them, not just any college.

4. Use the Common App

I encourage all my clients to register for the Common App, even if they’re primarily focused on athletics. It’s free and one application is accepted by over  1,000 colleges and universities. On the application, you can indicate interest in college sports and provide your NCAA/NAIA eligibility center numbers. This simple step enhances your visibility and can significantly improve your chances of moving from prospect to recruit.

5. Be a Great Student

Academic performance is key to standing out in a competitive recruiting field. Parents should research academic exceptions and how they relate to athletics recruiting. The better your grades, the more likely you are to receive additional financial aid or scholarships, making you more attractive to college coaches.

In some cases, academic awards can be “stacked” with athletic scholarships, meaning coaches can offer both academic and athletic financial support. This makes you even more valuable to a program, as it helps the coach manage their scholarship budget.

By taking these 5 steps today, you can significantly increase your chances of moving from prospect to recruit. While recruitment is a process that takes time, effort, and patience, the actions outlined here give you a concrete starting point for success.

As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or need personalized guidance. I’m here to help you navigate this journey!

To learn more about PrepSearch and how I’ve helped over 1,700 students attend college through sports since 2007, please explore the rest of my website. For more information about my seminars for high schools and clubs, or to inquire about my recruiting advisory services, feel free to complete the contact form on my website at www.prepsearch.net.

If you know a prospective student-athlete in grades 8-12 who could benefit from additional free exposure to college coaches, have them download the new PrepSearch app today! It’s available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepssearchappsapp

https://apps.apple.com/app/prepsearch-app/id6738037970