By Zach Parker
How to Stand Out in the College Recruiting Process
By Zach Parker
The college recruitment process is overwhelming , daunting and the cause of so much undo stress for the average junior golfer . Playing collegiate golf is attainable and an opportunity that junior golfers who wish to pursue should do so with “ optimistic ”, but also “ realistic ” expectations . The undo stress often comes as a result of not having “ realistic ” expectations and a clear strategy and plan in the college recruiting process . One key to creating opportunities and fulfilling dreams of playing at the next level starts by understanding how to reverse engineer the coaches , programs and universities .
The message I ’ m sending is that a resume isn ’ t enough ! The coach needs to understand , see and feel what makes you different . Attitude , effort , drive and self-awareness are vital to not only succeeding in the classroom and on the golf course , they are imperative to succeeding in the recruitment process . Coaches want exceptional people with a passion to do extraordinary things , to be a good teammate and to excel in their program .
Each and every day college coaches are inundated with emails and thus thousands of students are vying for limited spots . It is not a secret that coaches are looking to fill their rosters with the best available juniors however , in my experience the average player sends an email and reinforces how they are simply average . It is imperative that the athlete showcase their strengths , qualities and characteristics that make them a “ good fit ” for the program and coach they are contacting . The junior golfer needs to place themselves behind the computer screen of the coaches to see , understand and appeal to their wants and needs as they sift through all of the resumes they receive .
The college recruiting process shouldn ’ t start when you think you have the results . It should be a goal that fuels your effort , commitment and dedication day in and day out . Coaches want to see growth , development and a passion to learn in each of their players . It goes without saying that a coach wants to see you posting the scores that would make you an asset to their program . However , the athlete must communicate in a manner that exemplifies who they are and what they will bring to the team and university as a whole . Think of the greats in any sport , business or skill , and each and every one of them have an identity . What is your identity ? What value will you bring to the university , team and coach ? These simply questions should be at the forefront of all your interactions and communication with perspective programs and coaches .
There is no substitute for work ethic , passion and desire . Therefore , if you want an opportunity to play collegiate golf then roll up your sleeves and make it happen . Create a list of the programs that fit your desires and communicate to those programs in a manner that showcases who you are , what you stand for and what you will bring to their institution ; own your strengths and acknowledge your areas for growth ; be vulnerable and real in your communication ; be authentic ; be a role model , a leader and be willing to be different . You must put in the work day in and day out to build a resume both on and off the course that makes you stand out from the thousands .