Summer tournament season is the perfect time for select baseball and softball players to shine and catch the eye of college coaches. We’re now living in a post-COVID recruiting world, which means what used to work in the past has become outdated, and evolving with current recruiting trends is more important than ever! The recruiting process can feel incredibly overwhelming if you don’t know where to start – but with a little organization and a plan in place, you can make the most out of tournament time.
1. Establish a Relationship at the Right Time
For baseball or softball players aspiring to play at the collegiate level, it’s ideal to start reaching out to college coaches during your freshman or sophomore year of high school, depending on the division level you will be competing at. By this time, you should have a good grasp of your skills and some performance stats to share. Early contact allows you to build relationships with coaches and get on their radar before the intense recruitment period begins. It also gives you ample time to visit campuses, attend camps and receive feedback on how you can improve and fit into their programs.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Showcase Tournaments
Showcase baseball and softball tournaments are valuable opportunities for players to display their skills, but it's important to understand that fewer college coaches attend these events solely to scout new talent. More often than not, coaches come to these tournaments with specific players in mind – athletes they've already been in communication with. To maximize your recruitment potential, it's crucial to attend camps at schools you're interested in. These camps allow coaches to see you in a focused environment, assess your abilities up close and build a stronger connection with you. Relying solely on showcase tournaments without prior communication with coaches can result in missed opportunities and fewer recruitment options.
3. Utilize Online Platforms
Utilizing online platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and FieldLevel can significantly enhance your visibility to college coaches and showcase your skills effectively. These platforms allow you to upload stats, videos and game details, making it easy for coaches to find and evaluate your abilities. During the pandemic, the shift away from in-person recruiting led many coaches to rely heavily on these online tools to identify and initiate conversations with potential athletes. By maintaining an active presence on these platforms, regularly updating your performance data and engaging with coaches, you can reach a broader audience and increase your chances of being noticed by the programs you're interested in. This proactive approach helps you stand out and makes it easier for coaches to track your progress and potential.
4. Introductory Emails
Start by making a list of the college coaches and programs you're interested in. Send an introductory email with your summer tournaments schedule. This email should include a brief introduction about yourself, your athletic achievements and why you’re interested in their program. Don’t forget to attach your summer schedule, highlighting the tournaments you’ll be playing in – especially if there is one near their school. This first contact shows your interest and sets the stage for future communication.
5. Follow Up with Detailed Information
As your tournament dates approach, follow up with more specifics. Include game times, field numbers, uniform colors and your jersey number. This helps coaches find you easily and ensures they can watch you play. Remind them of your initial email and express your excitement about potentially playing for their program. Consistent communication shows your organizational skills and commitment to playing at a higher level. Don’t be afraid to include your latest stats and highlight videos in your communications. Coaches appreciate being able to quickly assess your skills and performance. Your videos should showcase your best plays, including both offensive and defensive highlights. Good footage can make a strong impression and give coaches a clear picture of your abilities.
6. Stay Cool and Composed on the Field
Presenting yourself well on the field is crucial when prospective college coaches are watching. Your attitude and behavior can be just as important as your skills. Demonstrating respect towards everyone – coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and even your parents – reflects positively on your character. Carrying your own equipment and gear shows responsibility and independence, qualities coaches value. Avoid talking back or showing frustration, as negative reactions can leave a lasting impression. College coaches look for players who are not only talented but also exhibit good sportsmanship, leadership and maturity. By consistently showing these traits, you present yourself as a well-rounded athlete who would be a positive addition to any college team.
7. Stay Organized
Keep track of your communications with each coach. A spreadsheet with columns for the coach’s name, school, email address, date of contact and notes on responses can help you stay organized. Update this sheet regularly to ensure you’re following up appropriately and not missing any opportunities.
8. Prepare for In-Person Interactions
Coaches might approach you during tournaments – especially if you’ve already built a rapport, so be ready to make a good impression. Be positive about your current season, express your interest in their program and ask any questions you might have about their team and recruiting process. Being personable and confident can leave a lasting positive impression.
The recruiting process should be an exciting time – if you understand how to showcase your skills to coaches and utilize the summer tournament season! Remember, you’re picking a college you’re going to be spending the next four years of your life at – make sure it’s somewhere you love for more than just the athletic programs!
If you’re looking for more information on the recruiting process or want one-on-one, personalized assistance tailored to your child, reach out to Elevate Sports Training in Ohio, for more information on our next-level services. With past college athletes and current college coaches on staff, we can help guide your athlete in the right direction! To learn more about our recruiting package, give us a call at (937) 848-1990.
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