How Do You Know a Coach is Recruiting You?

How Do You Know a Coach is Recruiting You?

This is a question I hear every day.  With the advent of social media and mass e-mail, it’s not always easy to tell.  

Receiving a questionnaire from the coaching staff is a good sign.  That alone doesn’t indicate that the coach views you as a potential member of the team.  They may be reaching out to hundreds of prospects in your Class.  

An invitation to attend a showcase or camp is also a common way for coaches to narrow their list.  These invitations are hard to read as the coaches may simply be adding paying customers to their for-profit camp.  It’s wise to ask questions about the nature of the event.  How many other players will attend?  What is the competitive level of the other campers?  You want to be sure this is a targeted camp only for recruitable prospects.  Otherwise, you may not have much contact with the coaching staff.  

We encourage all our players to utilize the tennisrecruiting.net website.  Each player can create a profile with their e-mail, phone number, and address.  Players can also include academic credentials that are helpful to the coaches.  Be aware that only coaches have access to this part of the site, so your personal information is relatively secure.  HINT: Players will be notified each time a coach visits their page.  This often creates the impression that coach is highly interested.  When in fact, the coach may be quickly clicking through numerous profiles thoughtlessly.  

A telephone call tells the tale.  If a coach schedules a call and takes the time to personally interact you know you are firmly on their radar.  Remember to be formal in your communication with coaches.  It’s a good idea to conduct some practice calls in order to feel comfortable presenting yourself on the telephone.

Remember to enjoy the process!  It’s something special to be recruited.  You’ve worked hard and you deserve it!