Being recruited to play a sport in college is one of the most difficult things to accomplish for athletes all around the world.
Along with being one of the hardest processes to overcome, it has also become overwhelmingly stressful for most athletes. The process is made up of never ending steps, and many life changing decisions are the result.
“In my opinion the most stressful part of the recruiting process is that it is an all encompassing process that even when it is over, it is not over,” Head Field Hockey and Lacrosse Coach Cat Catanzaro said. “We are starting the process at such a young age that students are not fully developed physically or mentally at that age but we are expecting them to have conversations with coaches about their futures when they are not even halfway through their high school career.”
For many coaches and teachers who were once collegiate athletes, the difference between being recruited then and being recruited now is drastic. From being recruited strictly from in-person exposure to now being able to put your name out on coaches’ rosters with social media, the process has undergone extreme change.
“Recruiting has changed with the explosion of technology and social media. Athletes have to not only self-promote on social media but they also must be constantly maintaining a presence on social media. Athletes are expected to be accessible to coaches during the recruiting process,” Catanzaro said.
In order for any athlete to be successful at any level they need a little bit of support to get there. Most of the time an athlete, alone, can not get to the top by themselves.
“As a coach, my role is to provide support. What that looks like is different depending on the athlete and their expectations and needs…I have been reached out to by a handful of coaches about athletes over the years. The more common scenario is athletes asking if I would reach out to specific schools. I offer to reach out but only if the athlete gives me permission to do so,” Catanzaro said.
Senior basketball player Hudson Scroggins is moving through the recruitment process smoothly, thanks to constant support from his coaches.
“All my coaches, high school and AAU, have given me constant feedback which makes me feel in a comfortable spot, knowing how experienced they both are,” Scroggins said.
While support from family or a coach is very important for the success of an athlete, at the end of the day almost all of the responsibility falls on the athlete.
Although many athletes are justifiably concerned for their college career, Scroggins is looking at this process as a chance for a great opportunity.
“I worried about the regular things like playing in a new environment with new coaches, new teammates, new everything, but I wouldn’t say scared is the right word. I’m more excited,” Scroggins said.
While being an athlete who competes at a high level, a student in a competitive school, and a good friend and teammate it is important to maintain a positive attitude and keep your composure.
Scroggins is a strong example of someone who balances these components well.
“I think when things get hard it is important just to stay patient through everything that happens, the ups and the downs, and always stay calm,” Scroggins said.
