In part 1 of “How to get recruited,” we went over the “mental side” of getting recruited.
So once you’ve fired yourself up and cleared any internal roadblocks, it’s time to going on the practical steps...
- Sign up for an online college recruiting profile program. Our favorite is Webletes.com. Get help writing a profile that makes you look like a rock star that any coach must have on their team.
- Start contacting college coaches and ask questions about their program. Here’s a little trick to get some inside information. Don’t always go straight to the head coaches of these programs. Make connections with the assistant coaches. It’s so easy to find assistant coaches on the college websites. They are much more open and likely to give you the inside information on what it takes to play there. Email them directly or better yet, make a phone call.
- Hook into current players on the team or recently graduated athletes. Use Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin to start conversations. You will be amazed at how they will be willing to help you. They were just like you not too long ago and know what you’re going through. Most people are flattered that you ask them. Make sure and be very complimentary and polite.
- Learn something about these people before you talk to them. Reach out to as many of these people as possible. Develop your own personal network. This is what people do to further their careers, so it’s an important skill to learn now and will benefit you in everything you do.
- Ask for and take any advice you get from the coaches and players and run with it! Use their names to reach out to others.
- Go to showcase events for your sport. They’re everywhere. If there isn’t one in your town, find one you can take a bus to. Beg, borrow or earn the money to do what it takes to show up for these.
- Keep working out and staying in shape even if your season is over to be ready at a moment’s notice for any opportunity to play.
As a last resort, remember, there’s always the chance to get on a team as a walk-on. Kurt Suzuki, major league baseball player, was a walk-on at a Division 1 college and played backup to two other players on full scholarship. He worked his way into the starting position and has now played 5 years of professional baseball for the Oakland A’s. There are thousands of similar stories like this.
Keep pumping yourself up and take MASSIVE ACTION. Make this goal one of your highest priorities.
One final thought for you:
It’s never a lack of resources that keeps us from getting what we want…it’s a lack of resourcefulness.
If you are unsure how to get rid of those negative thoughts or need help making a DECISION and sticking to it, be sure to check out our Mental Toughness Online Training.
Craig Sigl
Mental Toughness Trainer for Youth Sports
No comments:
Post a Comment