Common Myths about College Recruiting

Do you have a young hockey player who is desperately hoping to get recruited by a college team? If so, you’re probably busy crossing your fingers and learning everything you can about the recruiting process. As you learn, just be careful you don’t buy into any of the common myths surrounding recruiting.

Coaches Can Make Contact Anytime

The myth about coaches being able to get in touch whenever, wherever actually comes from the fact that things did used to work that way in the past. Not so long ago, NCAA DI recruiting allowed for athletes to call on coaches, and the coaches could answer whenever they wanted to. So, even though coaches couldn’t necessarily contact athletes whenever they wanted, many people found ways to work around these rules and still basically be in the clear.

However, that’s not the case anymore. As the rules stand now, no recruiting conversations or verbal offers can take place until June 15 of the summer following the athlete’s sophomore year. Recruits can send emails and letters to recruiters to let them know who they are, but no communication from the recruiters can occur until after the above date.  

Coaches Will Seek You Out

For a long time, the thought was that, if an athlete was really talented, coaches would come and find him. While this does still happen, it doesn’t happen to every good player out there.

That’s why it’s important for you and your athlete to get proactive if college recruiting is a goal of yours. Send emails to recruiters who you think are a good fit. Also, utilize tools, like online recruiting networks, that allow athletes to post videos, news articles, and more showing off their skill.

This is just some of the misinformation floating around about recruiting. So, be careful what you believe, do your research, and educate yourself. The more you know, the less likely it is that your child will get legitimately recruited by the right person.