It's NOT a 'One and Done' Process

*Originally posted 3/1/2022

I wish it was that simple. I wish different variables didn't constantly come up during the recruiting process. If you're expecting one article, blog post, phone call or meeting to be sufficient in helping you get through your recruiting process till the end, you're probably going to miss out or be lost at some point.

The "P" in PRI stands for "Parallel". The idea is that I am coming alongside families and athletes throughout their entire process. It's not a one stop shop. In fact, the seminars I do for my clubs are just the opposite. They are structured to give you pieces of info. Detailed information on a specific topic, theme or idea. In my mind it's not possible to give you all the info you need in just one phone call or meeting; not in an hour at least. There is so much info and so many things that need to be discussed that all phone calls, meetings and seminars are meant to help steer you closer to where you're trying to go. Just one recruiting meeting or phone call would have to be a fire hose and it would probably end up just being too general. Everyone's situation and process is different. Different families are going to have different road bumps along the way. One meeting or phone call can't possibly give you all of those scenarios in detail.

Think of it this way:

You're wanting to take a 10 day camping trip through the mountains. You know where you're starting and where you're going and you even hired a guide! At the start of your trip the guide gives you a map and a compass, pats you on the back and says "Good luck!" ...that's it. He then proceeds to walk back to his car and drive off.

How helpful is that?

Now think about the same situation. This time the guide spends several hours explaining what to expect on the days ahead. He teaches you how to use the compass properly along with the map. He tells you all of the areas to stay away from and how to identify whether or not you're in one of those areas. He helps you back your bags, tent and helps with other provisions you'll need along the way. He explains what the paths should look like, but also is able to help explain to you some of the changes that have occurred since last season. Then, after all of that, he grabs his own backpack and tent and starts hiking right beside you. Support during your journey by someone who has done it plenty of times from both directions of your trail.

Does that way sound more beneficial?

I've helped plenty of athletes through all stages of the process and at all levels of college volleyball. Even athletes that have a pretty good path in front of them need help. I can help navigate small things or big things. I don't expect parents or athletes to get all they need from one phone call. Keep me in the loop. Let me know what's going on. Ask me questions; even if they are really small and simple. The more dialogue we have the more I understand what's going on in your process and the more I can help.

I won't just give you a map and a compass...

We can take entire classes on the map and the compass if you want. That will just be the start though. Plan on chatting about the path ahead, what will happen and what might not happen. What does the end look like? How will you know you're there?

Let's make sure you're headed in the right direction by staying in touch. Radio, GPS or even morse code. Whatever helps you get to where you're going!

Don't expect this blog post, or the one before to be the only thing you ever read. Reach out. Ask me some questions. We will get you to where you want to go.