How Parents Can Use College Openings to Get Their Athletes Recruited

Navigating the college recruiting process can be challenging for parents and student-athletes alike. With so many options and the competitive nature of college sports, having a clear strategy is essential. College Openings is a powerful resource that gives parents and student-athletes direct insights into active recruiting opportunities, making the path to recruitment more targeted and achievable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how parents can use College Openings to help their athletes stand out and get recruited.

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1. Identify Schools Actively Recruiting for Specific Positions

Finding the right program often means focusing on schools that are actively seeking athletes for specific positions. College Openings provides access to all schools that are actively recruiting with their needs and all other relevant information, making it easy for parents to see which programs are looking for talent and what positions etc. they need.

• How College Openings Helps: College Openings shows colleges and universities that are actively recruiting, what their needs are, which allows parents to easily access the openings that align with their student-athlete’s position, division desired, and sometimes specific characteristics like playing style or GPA requirements. This enables parents to help narrow down options so their athlete(s) can focus on programs with a real interest in their skill set.
• How to Use This Information: Parents can help their athletes create a shortlist of schools with openings that align with their skills and ambitions. By prioritizing these schools, families save time and increase the chance of finding a good fit. For instance, if a basketball player is a shooting guard, College Openings can quickly show them programs needing that position, making the process more efficient and targeted.

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2. Assess Each Program’s Requirements and Fit

Not all programs are looking for the same qualities in their recruits, and College Openings offers insights into each coach’s criteria, including academic standards, physical attributes, and athletic accomplishments they prioritize. This information helps parents determine if a school is a suitable match for their athlete.

• How College Openings Helps: The platform goes beyond the basic recruiting announcements by detailing each coach’s specific requirements, such as height, GPA, SAT scores, and athletic achievements, helping parents and athletes decide where they’re most likely to succeed.
• How to Use This Information: Review each school’s opening criteria with your athlete to ensure they meet or can work toward the requirements. For example, if a program’s GPA requirement is a 3.5 and your athlete is close to that benchmark, this can be a realistic target. Additionally, understanding physical or style-of-play preferences can help athletes tailor their training to fit the mold of the programs they’re pursuing.

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3. Make Direct Contact with Interested Coaches

Connecting directly with college coaches is a crucial part of the recruiting process. College Openings streamlines this by giving access to the contact information of the coaches who are actively searching for talent. For parents, this is invaluable as it helps guide communication efforts and increases the likelihood of a positive response.

• How College Openings Helps: Each opening lists the contact information and recruitment form of coaches actively looking to fill spots, allowing families to reach out in a timely and targeted way. Some coaches even suggest when to reach out and the best format (email, highlight reel, or completion of their recruitment form).
• How to Use This Information: Help your athlete craft a personalized introduction email to each coach, highlighting specific skills and achievements that align with the coach’s needs. Keep the message professional, direct, and concise. Consider including a highlight reel link, relevant stats, and academic information to make a strong first impression. Following up once or twice if there’s no response can demonstrate your athlete’s interest and dedication without overwhelming the coach.

4. Leverage Coach’s Insider Tips and Read Related Articles for Extra Insights

A unique feature of College Openings is its “Coach’s Insider Tips” section, where coaches share valuable insights into the recruiting process. These tips offer an insider perspective on everything from the best times to reach out to how to make an unforgettable impression. Along with these tips, parents and athletes can read a variety of articles on College Openings that cover recruitment strategies, college sports culture, and advice for navigating each step of the process.

• How College Openings Helps: This section provides targeted advice from actual college coaches, helping parents and athletes understand the “dos and don’ts” of recruitment. Topics may include tips on maintaining coach relationships, improving performance during evaluations, and preparing for unofficial visits. The articles expand on these topics, offering a more comprehensive view to help athletes succeed.
• How to Use This Information: Go through these insights and articles with your athlete and take notes on the coach’s preferences. For example, if a coach mentions they’re impressed by athletes who demonstrate leadership, work with your athlete to highlight examples of their leadership qualities in their outreach. The articles can provide even more strategies, such as specific training tips or ways to stand out academically, making your athlete more memorable and prepared.

5. Prepare for Campus Visits and Interviews

Once a coach shows interest, the next steps often include unofficial visits or interviews. College Openings offers resources to help parents and athletes prepare, including guidance on what questions to ask and what to expect on campus visits.

• How College Openings Helps: College Openings provides sample questions for parents to ask, including details about team culture, academic support, and housing options for athletes. This helps ensure parents and athletes get a full picture of each program’s strengths and what it offers in terms of athlete support.
• How to Use This Information: Before a campus visit or call with a coach, sit down with your athlete and prepare a list of priority questions. For instance, ask about the program’s academic support, expectations for balancing academics and sports, or any specific scholarship opportunities. This preparation ensures you and your athlete feel confident, informed, and ready to make the best decision if an offer arises.

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6. Stay Informed on Recruiting Deadlines and Requirements

Recruiting comes with important timelines and eligibility requirements. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the process can delay or even prevent recruitment. College Openings provides ways to track these deadlines and stay updated on recruitment windows for each division.

• How College Openings Helps: Our articles often include important information about NCAA or NAIA recruiting periods, deadlines for applications, and eligibility requirements, making it easier to stay on track.
• How to Use This Information: Set reminders in your phone or on your computer, or create a shared calendar with your athlete for key deadlines, including application dates, submission windows for transcripts, and recruiting periods. This way, both you and your athlete can stay organized and avoid missing any critical steps.

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Conclusion

Using College Openings as a recruiting tool can transform a challenging process into an organized and goal-oriented journey. Parents can help their athletes target programs that are truly a fit, prepare for meaningful interactions with college coaches, and stay on top of key recruiting deadlines. From daily updates on open positions to insider tips from coaches, College Openings provides a range of resources designed to help athletes and families succeed. By taking advantage of these tools and free information, parents can help their athletes get noticed, seize new opportunities, and work toward a fulfilling and successful college athletic experience.