As you approach a coach , introduce yourself by starting with your full name , your number and the team you are playing on . Many athletes assume we coaches know who they are … when there are two to three hundred players at an event , it is hard to keep track of who is who . After introductions , be prepared to ask simple questions that will give you the information needed to get an early evaluation of the “ fit ” you are looking for in a future school and baseball program . Things to ask a coach : 1 . What are they looking for in a future player ( characteristics ) 2 . How many players do they intend to bring in next year ’ s class 3 . Is the coach recruiting the position you play 4 . How do you begin the recruiting process with the coach and his program
These are easy questions to gain information from the coach . Please keep in mind this is just an introduction and that coaches still need to watch other prospects at the event . Keep your contact short but do gain the information you need to learn about the school .
After you return from any event , a follow up e-mail with your information is suggested to continue to show interest in the schools you would like to consider . Have an athletic and academic resume available to share with coaches and a short video . This is how you keep the recruiting process moving forward .
At the end of the summer , you should have an idea of which programs are interested in you . You will receive e-mails , texts and letters from coaches . This is a good sign they have an interest in you . Typically the best sign of a coach ’ s interest is a phone call which is generally the best sign of true interest in you as a prospect . The next steps vary by each institutions , but here is a good guide for you to use .
To gain further insight on a prospects academic fit at a school , some schools offer what is an “ early read ”. An Early Read is where a school will request your transcripts and test scores to determine if you fit the academic profile of their institution which is done through the schools Office of Admission . This will help determine if you have the academic background needed to gain admission into the school . If it comes back positive , the next step in the recruiting process is typically being invited to campus for a visit .
A visit can be through a combination of ways . A junior college or NAIA institution my invite you in for an evaluation camp where they have a chance to watch you work out or compete on their campus . Many NCAA Division III schools have their own camps for you to attend . This is another great way to gain exposure to the coaches .
Your visit is by far the most important thing you can do . I would highly suggest you do an overnight visit at any school you are seriously considering . On an overnight visit , most schools will house you will a current player , provide a tour and a chance to attend a class in your academic area of interest . These are all good things , but the most important part of this visit is spending time with the players . That has to be the biggest focus of your visit . This provides you things like do you “ fit ” into the team , does it feel like a place you want to spend the next four years of your life . Be prepared with questions ahead of time and keep track of the answers so you can compare the information you gather from each visit … this is crucial .