4 Tips to Getting Recruited Virtually
With all the events that have been cancelled for the club season, many athletes have the added worry of not being seen by college scouts. We remain hopeful play will continue but with no return of “normal” activity in…
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Continue ReadingWith all the events that have been cancelled for the club season, many athletes have the added worry of not being seen by college scouts. We remain hopeful play will continue but with no return of “normal” activity in sight, athletes to need to take proactive steps to ensure their dreams of a college career. Here are 4 ways to virtually get recruited.
Recruiting Tools: If you/your athlete have not yet signed up for recruiting websites, now is the time. There are many valuable resources bringing together prospects and coaches. Talk with your coaches about sites they recommend. There are dozens of similar virtual venues for you to market yourself to colleges; so, rely on the expertise of those around you who have gone through the process. Many are free or involve little cost for membership.
Reach Out: It is easy to feel disconnected to the volleyball community, but you are only a call, text, email, or message away from reaching your goals. Coaches are left with extra time on their hands too and would be happy to help in any way. Now is a great time to ask a favorite coach for a letter of recommendation. This will come in handy when you apply to college and it is great to have on hand. Open yourself up to real conversations with those who know you and your ability. Seek advice on which colleges to look at. Don’t let your personal connections fade.
Likewise, engage in conversations with new coaches. Use any channel you are comfortable with to introduce yourself to a college coaches and programs. Email a list of questions, take a virtual tour of a campus, spend a little time on a team’s webpage, schedule a Zoom chat with a coach, or call a school you are interested in. Every program has an online presence if you do the research. Don’t limit yourself by proximity or divisions; put yourself out there and see what happens. Some will respond and others may not, but you will find your path. Remember, there is no wrong way to reach out, as long as you do it
Update Your Virtual Profile: Perhaps your already have a Hudl page or other profile online; great, now make sure it has up to date information. Don’t leave coaches left wondering; give them as much information as you can. Things to add to improve your online resume:
- Pictures– Revisit the pictures you have posted online. This includes Twitter, Instagram and other social media. When coaches research you, they will want to see that volleyball is an important part of your life. So limit the glammed-out selfies and add a few more action shots.
- Videos- Highlight tapes and skills videos are essential. Again, talk with your coaches about borrowing tape they have on you. These do not need to be top quality. You can edit tape yourself. Or create your own skill video.
- Statistics- Be sure to include your stats. Don’t worry if they aren’t all great, share as much as you can to give others more insight on you.
- Extra curricular activities- Make sure you update your GPA, educational goals/accomplishments, and anything else that demonstrates your value to the community.