More great advice on the high school recruiting process by ESPN's Mark Lewis:
All too often college coaches come across players who seem to be waiting for "something better" when the truth is they're lucky to be getting the interest they already have at that point in time. That mentality and approach can, and many times has, left an athlete to settle for virtually anything she can find in the end.
Take a good look at the interest that has come your way and try to find the consistencies that might be there in terms of what schools are knocking on your door. If you've heard from only one major conference program and 25 others that might be thought of as mid-major, odds are you already know what level might be more appropriate.
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That's why it's important not to eliminate schools from your recruiting process early because you perceive yourself to be a higher caliber player than the level you think their program plays on. Take your time and see who's in the mix and find out how sincere their interest might be.
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2 comments:
agreed, great advise. parents all want to think their child is special and are going to be 'the one.' its natural to love your child and know they are special. but that doesn't mean they will be the next michael jordan or sheryl swoopes. athletes of that caliber don't come along all that often.
my point (and i do have one :) ), is that parents also have to be realistic about their child's athletic abilities. it is no doubt hard to be objective when your child has always been the best one on the court, the one the team is built around, sorting through the recruiting hype, etc.
BUT parents have a duty to guide their children through what could be one of the most important decisions in their young lives, one with far-reaching implications.
we just need look at all the transfers taking place these past few years. kids going to schools that aren't a good fit, whether it be distance, environment, coaching techniques, etc.
parents are in the best position to know whats best for their child. STEP UP! its your child who will be affected, sometimes rather adversely. that child you thought was going to be 'the one' is now on the phone crying from homesickness, lack of playing time, whatever.
pay attention to the things you know are important to your child's well-being and help guide them to a school that is going to support their goals.
scullyfu
I couldn't agree more, scully. It's very hard, if not impossible, for some parents to be objective about their kid. What I recommend for both kid and parent is to be informed. Research the colleges you're interested in and find out if they'd be a good fit for you. It's ridiculous that kids/parents are still so passive about it and consider only who sends them letters.
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