Recruiting, from a college coach's perspective, is a business and often referred to as an educated gamble. Therefore, if a club gymnastics coach consistently produces gymnasts who have the skills and the academics needed to succeed at the NCAA level, you will likely see that college coach return to recruit at that gym.

Since some college coaches do not have the budget to travel to many different clubs, they will often feel more comfortable returning to a club they know well. However, that does not mean a gymnast from a "no name" or "new" club isn't going to be recruited or picked by a college coach. There are always many gymnasts who have very successful seasons that do not come from the clubs that seem to produce many top-level 10s and elites.    

Remember, skills drive recruiting. If a gymnast is talented and has the routines needed, college coaches typically will not hesitate to recruit her if everything else they are looking for lines up with their desires.

Some of the reasons college coaches recruit from the same gym:

1.    Coaching technique 

2.    Training style 

3.    Mental preparation

4.     Attitude and passion of a team

5.     Pits and soft landing options

6.    Location near the college

7.    Club coaches relationship with college coach

8.    Club coaches overall philosophy

9.    Fitness level of the team

10.  Conditioning level of the team


Jill Hicks has an advising business for parents and gymnasts to help them navigate the college recruiting process. You can visit www.jhicksconsulting.com for more details and contact her for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Jill is also is available to travel to your club to speak to parents, gymnasts, and coaches and give a one-hour presentation on "Introduction To The College Recruiting Process."