Recruiting 101: What College Coaches Look For Other Than Gymnastics

Recruiting 101: What College Coaches Look For Other Than Gymnastics

Recruiting is a business, and college coaches want to ensure the gymnasts they choose will be valuable assets to the team as a whole.

Nov 23, 2017 by Jill Hicks
Recruiting 101: What College Coaches Look For Other Than Gymnastics

By Kristina Comforte

Recruiting is a business, and college coaches want to ensure when making a decision to either offer a scholarship or walk-on position to an athlete, they will be valuable assets to the team as a whole. 

Things coaches look for: 

  1. Academics: college coaches want to make sure that recruits are on track to complete all the core classes that are required by the eligibility center. For a list of these classes, visit http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/core-courses 
  1. Attitude: coaches will look to see how you interact with your coaches, teammates, parents, etc. They want to see that you are positive in your interactions with others, and don’t shut down when you make a mistake. 
  1. Character: coaches love the intangibles when determining who to bring on a team. Are you a vocal leader? Let them see that. Do you lead by example? Show your work ethic. 
  1. Initiative: coaches also want to see that you, the recruit, are actively engaged in your recruiting. The majority (if not all) of emails and phone calls should come from the recruit. Coaches don’t mind when parents call, but they want to see it coming from the recruit. Not only does it show initiative, and ownership of your future, but it also tells them you’re really passionate about becoming a part of their program. 
  1. Passion: lastly, show and/or tell the coaches how much you love the sport. It will be difficult for a coach to offer a scholarship or walk-on position to a recruit that clearly does not love the sport. 

The culture of a team and team chemistry are integral to the success of an NCAA gymnastics team. Everything has to be about the team. Stand out to the coaches, and prove to them that not only will you contribute gymnastically, but you would be a valuable addition to their team culture. Determine your strengths, and expose them!

Jill Hicks has an advising business that helps parents and gymnasts navigate the college recruiting process.  Kristina Comforte is one of the gymnastics advisors.  If you would like a FREE consultation you can go to www.jhicksconsulting.com for more information.

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