The Deadly 7 Mistakes to Avoid by PARENTS and PLAYERS

Assuming Others Are Responsible to Champion Their Daughters

Many parents mistakenly believe that high school or club coaches, recruiting services, or even school counselors will take the lead in advocating for their daughter’s athletic future. However, relying solely on others can leave critical gaps in the recruiting process. College coaches expect to see initiative and direct engagement from the student-athlete herself, as this demonstrates maturity and genuine interest in their program. When parents assume others will handle outreach or promotion, they risk their daughter missing out on valuable exposure and opportunities to build authentic relationships with college programs.

Not Starting the Recruiting Process Early Enough
Delaying the start of the recruiting process can severely limit your daughter’s options. College coaches often begin identifying prospects as early as freshman or sophomore year, especially in highly competitive sports. Waiting until junior or senior year to begin outreach, create highlight reels, or attend recruiting events can mean missing key windows for communication and scholarship opportunities. Starting early allows your daughter to build a strong athletic and academic profile, develop relationships with coaches, and make informed decisions about her future.

Not Equipping Themselves to Understand the Process
The college recruiting landscape is complex, with rules, deadlines, and eligibility requirements that can vary by sport and division. Parents who do not take the time to learn about NCAA regulations, recruiting calendars, and scholarship types may inadvertently hinder their daughter’s progress. Without a solid understanding, it’s easy to miss crucial steps or fall for common misconceptions. Educating yourself ensures you can provide accurate guidance, avoid pitfalls, and help your daughter navigate the process with confidence.

Being Overly Involved in Communicating with College Coaches
While parental support is essential, taking over communication with college coaches can be detrimental. Coaches want to interact directly with student-athletes to assess their communication skills, independence, and genuine interest in the program. When parents dominate emails, phone calls, or campus visits, it can signal to coaches that the athlete lacks initiative or maturity. Encouraging your daughter to take the lead in these interactions not only builds her confidence but also aligns with what coaches are seeking in future team members.

Putting Too Much Pressure on Your Child
The recruiting process can be stressful, and excessive parental pressure often exacerbates that stress. When parents set unrealistic expectations or tie their approval to athletic outcomes, it can diminish a child’s love for the sport and negatively impact performance. Supporting your daughter means encouraging her to pursue her goals while also respecting her boundaries and interests. A healthy balance helps her stay motivated and enjoy the journey, regardless of the outcome.

Not Doing Enough Research on Schools and Programs
Limiting research to only well-known or local schools can result in missed opportunities and poor fits. Each college program has its own culture, coaching style, academic standards, and scholarship availability. Failing to thoroughly research a range of schools can lead to disappointment or a mismatch between your daughter’s needs and what a program offers. Comprehensive research ensures your daughter finds a school where she can thrive both athletically and academically, setting her up for long-term success.

Top 7 Mistakes Students Make

• Starting the process too late
• Not leveraging camps
• Overestimating their talent
• Relying on Coach too much
• Lack of having a strategic plan
• Ignoring the importance of academics
• Ineffective highlight reel

Starting the Process Too Late

Many high school athletes underestimate how early college recruiting begins, often waiting until their junior or even senior year to get started. By this point, many college coaches have already identified and begun building relationships with prospective athletes for their recruiting classes. Starting late can mean missed opportunities for exposure, fewer scholarship offers, and limited options, as rosters may already be filled. Early engagement allows athletes to research schools, attend events, and communicate with coaches, giving them a competitive edge in a crowded recruiting landscape.

Not Leveraging Camps
Athletes who skip camps and showcases miss out on valuable opportunities to get noticed by college coaches. These events provide a platform to demonstrate skills in a competitive environment, receive direct feedback, and make personal connections with coaches. Camps often serve as a proving ground where athletes can separate themselves from the crowd and show their abilities beyond what’s seen in game footage. Not attending these events can result in reduced visibility and fewer chances to stand out among other recruits.

Overestimating Their Talent
A common mistake is for athletes to overestimate their abilities and set their sights exclusively on top-tier programs without a realistic assessment of where they fit. This can lead to disappointment and wasted time pursuing schools that may not be a good match athletically. Honest self-evaluation, feedback from coaches, and understanding the level of competition at various schools are critical for targeting programs where the athlete can truly contribute and succeed.

Relying on Coach Too Much
While high school and club coaches can be valuable resources, some athletes depend on them entirely to drive the recruiting process. Coaches may have limited time, connections, or knowledge of every college program, and ultimately, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to take initiative. Athletes who rely solely on their coaches risk missing out on opportunities and fail to develop the communication and organizational skills that college coaches expect from recruits.

Lack of Having a Strategic Plan
Approaching recruiting without a clear plan leads to missed deadlines, disorganized outreach, and a lack of direction. Athletes need to set goals, research schools, track communications, and prepare for key milestones such as standardized testing and application deadlines. A strategic plan helps ensure that all aspects of the process are managed efficiently, increasing the likelihood of finding the right fit and maximizing scholarship opportunities.

Ignoring the Importance of Academics
Some student-athletes focus solely on their sport, neglecting the academic standards required for college admission and eligibility. College coaches seek well-rounded recruits who can succeed in the classroom and remain eligible to play. Ignoring academics can lead to disqualification from programs, lost scholarships, or limited options if grades or test scores fall short. Prioritizing academics alongside athletics opens more doors and demonstrates the discipline coaches value.

Ineffective Highlight Reel
A highlight reel is often the first impression a coach gets of a prospective athlete, and a poorly constructed video can hinder recruitment. Common mistakes include videos that are too long, lack context, or fail to showcase the athlete’s best skills and versatility. An effective highlight reel is concise, clearly identifies the athlete, and demonstrates their abilities in game situations. Investing time in creating a high-quality video can significantly improve a recruit’s chances of catching a coach’s attention.