Hannah's Thoughts: Recruiting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Navigating the recruiting process can be overwhelming, especially for volleyball players in Arkansas who may not have access to the same exposure as athletes in larger metro areas. Whether you're a freshman just starting the journey or a senior still looking for your right fit, it's important to avoid common mistakes that could stall your recruiting progress. Here's a breakdown of the most frequent mistakes and how you can avoid them that I have discovered over the last decade.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Only Targeting D1 Programs</h2>   The Mistake: Too many players think success only comes from playing NCAA Division I volleyball. They often overlook opportunities at D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO schools.   How to Avoid It: Be realistic and open-minded. There are hundreds of programs with scholarships, great coaching, and opportunities to play. The best fit is where you'll thrive athletically, academically, and personally, not just the school with the biggest name.   Hannah's Thoughts: When I first began the recruiting process, I thought Division 1 was the only way. Now looking back, Division 2 fit me perfectly. It was a great balance of both academics and athletics, while still being able to have time for myself and my family.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sending Generic Emails to Coaches</h2>   The Mistake: Sending mass, copy-paste emails with no personalization. Coaches can spot a generic message instantly and they most likely won't respond.   How to Avoid It: Personalize each message. Mention the school, coach, recent games, or why you're interested in their program. Attach your highlight reel and academic info, and always include your name, grad year, position, and contact info.   Hannah's Thoughts: College coaches want to connect with you as soon as possible on a personal level, if they decide you fit what they are looking for. I'd often write every email from scratch, ensuring it was personal to each program and coach. Congratulating them on their season, new hires, or other achievements will help build that relationship.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social Media Presence</h2>   The Mistake: Athletes sometimes post inappropriate or negative content online, not realizing college coaches are watching.   How to Avoid It: Keep your social media clean, positive, and professional. Highlight achievements, post game clips, and support your teammates. Your digital presence can either open doors, or slam them shut.   Hannah's Thoughts: Social media is a tool, you can either use it to build your career or destroy it. The best rule of thumb I followed was two questions. How would I feel if my post was displayed in front of the entire school at an assembly? If there was any doubt, it would NOT get posted anywhere. Second question, if a college coach asked me to explain my post, could I without receiving backlash or criticism? If the answer was troublesome or I imagined a negative conversation, it would NOT get posted anywhere. KEY WORD: ANYWHERE.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Giving Up Too Soon</h2>   The Mistake: After a few rejections or unresponsive coaches, athletes get discouraged and stop trying.   How to Avoid It: Rejection is part of the process. Keep sending emails, keep improving your skills, and stay persistent. The right school is out there, but it takes consistency and patience to find it.   Hannah's Thoughts: There is a school for everyone, regardless of school or class. It is never too late to try, but it is always too early to give up.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Keeping Grades in Check</h2>   The Mistake: Some athletes believe that as long as they're talented on the court, academics don't matter.   How to Avoid It: Grades matter, a lot. Not only for admissions and scholarships but also because many coaches won't recruit athletes who aren't academically eligible. Take your GPA and test scores seriously and aim to be coachable both in the classroom and on the court.   Hannah's Thoughts: This is something I'd always heard, but never truly understood until I entered college. Not only does it allow for admissions and scholarship processes to be easier, it also allows you to understand the balance of athletics and academics.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Body Language and Attitudes</h2>   The Mistake: Some athletes believe that if they're producing on the court, racking up kills, blocks, or digs, then their body language and attitude do not matter. They'll roll their eyes at a teammate's error, hang their head after a mistake, or show frustration when they get subbed out. Some players visibly shut down if they're not starting or if the game isn't going their way. Others might talk back to a coach or ref in the heat of the moment, thinking it won't affect their future.   How to Avoid It: College coaches are watching everything, not just the stats. Your reaction to adversity is often what sets you apart. Show you're coachable by responding to correction with eye contact, a nod, and immediate action. Resilience is key. Bounce back quickly from mistakes, and don't let a missed set or a wrong call bring you down. Your body language should communicate strength, confidence, and the ability to stay mentally tough, no matter the situation.   Hannah's Thoughts: If you cannot pick yourself up after an error, you cannot pick anyone else up. If you show more emotion when things go wrong as opposed to when things go right, you will not land on a roster. Body language and attitudes show coaches you as a player more than any other skill or attribute.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion for the Athletes</h2>   The recruiting process can feel overwhelming, but avoiding these common mistakes will give you a much better chance of standing out in a positive way. Remember, college coaches are looking for well-rounded athletes who excel on the court, in the classroom, and in their interactions with others. By staying realistic about your options, being persistent, maintaining a positive attitude, and putting in the work both athletically and academically, you'll position yourself for success. The right program is out there: just stay focused, stay true to yourself, and trust the process.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Common Recruiting Mistakes: Parents' Edition</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pressure to Succeed</h2>   The Mistake: Some parents put too much pressure on their child to perform at a high level, equating their child's worth with their athletic success. This can lead to stress, burnout, and even strain the parent-child relationship.   How to Avoid It: Support your child's journey without overloading them with expectations. Emphasize the importance of enjoying the game, developing skills, and being a good teammate. Encourage a healthy mindset that focuses on growth and learning rather than just outcomes. Be a source of support and encouragement rather than a source of added pressure.   Hannah's Thoughts: Let your child be the athlete. You can be their biggest fan, not their coach.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Athletics over Academics</h2>   The Mistake: Some parents focus solely on their child's athletic performance without taking into account the importance of academics. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the sport, but neglecting academics can seriously hurt recruiting opportunities.   How to Avoid It: Encourage your child to maintain a balance between athletics and academics. Many colleges have strict academic eligibility requirements, and coaches often won't recruit players who aren't academically eligible. Make sure your child understands the importance of keeping their grades up and staying on top of schoolwork. The best athletes are well-rounded individuals who excel both on the court and in the classroom.   Hannah's Thoughts: STUDENT before ATHLETE, Student Athlete. Always value this.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catfishing College Coaches</h2>   The Mistake: Some parents may try to “sell” their child to coaches by contacting them repeatedly, sometimes in an overly aggressive manner. While it's important to advocate for your child, too much communication can come across as overbearing and may actually hurt their chances.   How to Avoid It: Encourage your child to take ownership of the recruiting process. Coaches appreciate when athletes are proactive in reaching out, expressing interest, and taking initiative. Parents can support by helping with the logistical side, like researching schools, understanding eligibility requirements, or helping with travel arrangements, but coaches want to hear directly from the athlete. Respect the recruiting process and give your child the space to navigate it with your guidance.   Hannah's Thoughts: If you do it all for them now, they will need it all done for themselves later. Let your child be the athlete. You can be the supporter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion for the Parents</h2>   As a parent, your role is to provide support, guidance, and encouragement, without overstepping or creating undue stress. The recruiting process can be overwhelming, but with the right balance, your involvement can make a significant difference in helping your child find the right fit for their future. Keep the focus on their well-being, growth, and happiness, and let the rest fall into place.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   As a former college volleyball player who took charge of my own recruitment, I received over 150 emails from college coaches and several offers. Success isn't determined by how much money you invest or the connections you have, it's about the determination and relentless drive you bring to the process.   - Hannah Watkins, PrepDig Arkansas Lead Scout (@prepdighannah)

Navigating the recruiting process can be overwhelming, especially for volleyball players in Arkansas who may not have access to the same exposure as athletes in larger metro areas. Whether you're a freshman just starting the journey or a senior still looking for your right fit, it's important to avoid common mistakes that could stall your recruiting progress. Here's a breakdown of the most frequent mistakes and how you can avoid them that I have discovered over the last decade.