Mutual Pursuit

Showing interest is still a huge deal. Even with the new recruiting rules, letting a school know you're interested in them can make the difference in your recruiting process.

Too many times I run into athletes and families that generate their list based on who has reached out to them. Or maybe they had a call with a school one and then they haven't heard from the school since. Both of these are situations where the athlete isn't pursuing the school. Now, you might say that, "well, Jason, the school isn't pursuing them either" and you are only partially correct. Because of the new rules, coaches are generally creating bigger lists than they have in the past. I was never a fan of big lists - I either liked an athlete or I didn't; they could either help my program or they couldn't - but because the lists are bigger they can do a big swoop of phone calls, have conversations, get a feeling for WHO is more interested and focus on those athletes. Also, if I have a conversation with an athlete and then just never hear back from them, I am probably thinking that athlete isn't interested...just like athletes sending out one email, then not getting a response, think that a school isn't interested. Chances are good that one athlete that is on my list, will continue to reach back out to me to communicate their interest. One athlete - if she is what I'm looking for - is all I need.

I think that too many times athletes and families want the coaches to do ALL of the pursuing. While many coaches will, they still want the athlete to pursue them as well. It's really a two-way-street in a lot of ways. Many college coaches aren't the types to send dozens and dozens of emails to an athlete that they don't think is really that interested; it just isn't worth their time and energy. So, they will focus on the athletes that they feel like are just as interested in them.

This is why I'm so unimpressed with the "reactive" recruiting model. It puts athletes in a position to where they are waiting and NOT pursuing any opportunities, schools, programs or coaches. Waiting for coaches to come to their courts. Waiting for coaches to email them. Waiting for coaches to offer. There are SO MANY things that athletes can do on their end to help drive the ball down the field - or whatever analogy you want to put in there. In those situations, where athletes are pursuing a school just as much as the school is pursuing them, I usually find those athletes to be in the best situation to find the best fit and enjoy their college experience.

"Jason, but what if a school won't respond?"

This is a great question. First, I will say that not every school is going to be a great athletic fit. That happens often on this side. Second, I would ask, "how badly do you want to be at that school?" If you really want to be there, then the first sign of resistance shouldn't hinder you from pursuing that option. In some ways you just have to figure out how badly you want it.

Be in control of your own recruiting process. Take the lead. Take the initiative. Be proactive.

Remember, the best recruiting situations are when both parties want the same thing.

Check out my blog post about the difference between being 3 months interested vs every week interested.

Click HERE