The Key to Recruiting - Initiative
- 50 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Me with all the coaches at the Great Northwest Challenge College Showcase
Including: Adrian College, Air Force Academy, Alfred University, Army West Point, Grand Canyon University, Guildford College, Iowa Central Community College, Long Island University, Naval Academy, University of New England, Nichols College, St. Mary's College of CA, Western Washington University, Wheeling University
Taking Initiative Starts Small
One thing we talk about a lot with high school athletes is the importance of taking initiative. It may not seem like a big deal when you're a freshman, but by the time recruiting rolls around, it's a skill that can make a huge difference.
The reality is that much of the recruiting process depends on the student-athlete speaking up for themselves. Coaches want to hear from the athlete. They want to see how they communicate, ask questions, and interact with others.
Last month, we had the honor of helping coordinate a College Showcase for the Great Northwest Challenge, where students had the opportunity to meet coaches, ask questions, and for coaches to get to know them as well. Unsurprisingly, many students hung back and let their parents speak for them, while those who were confident approached coaches, shook their hands, and asked questions.
But those skills don't suddenly appear when a student becomes a junior. They start with small things. Maybe it's introducing yourself to a coach at a camp. Asking a question after class. Thanking an official or volunteer at a competition. Ordering your own meal at a restaurant. Making a phone call instead of having a parent do it or sending a text or email.
None of those moments seem particularly important on their own, but they help build confidence over time.
Then, when recruiting becomes more serious, athletes are much more comfortable approaching a coach at a tournament, introducing themselves, asking questions about the program, or following up after an event. Those conversations feel natural because they've spent years practicing speaking up and advocating for themselves.
As parents, it can be tempting to step in and handle things. Sometimes that's easier and faster. But giving kids opportunities to take ownership—even when it's a little uncomfortable—helps prepare them for much bigger situations down the road.
Taking initiative isn't just a recruiting skill. It's a life skill.
And like any skill, it gets stronger with practice.
Ways Parents Can Help Teens Build Confidence and Independence
Helping teenagers become more independent doesn't require huge challenges or dramatic life lessons. Often, it's the small, everyday opportunities that help them develop confidence and learn to advocate for themselves.
Here are a few simple ways parents can encourage teens to step outside their comfort zone:
Have them order their own meal at restaurants.
Encourage them to ask a store employee for help finding something.
Let them check themselves in for appointments.
Have them make phone calls to schedule lessons, ask questions, or gather information.
Encourage them to introduce themselves to new coaches, instructors, judges, or team members.
Ask them to email a coach or teacher instead of having a parent do it.
Let them handle a minor problem or misunderstanding before stepping in.
Encourage them to thank volunteers, officials, clinicians, and coaches after events.
Have them ask one question at a clinic, camp, or team meeting.
Let them manage their own tournament registrations, schedules, or paperwork (with guidance as needed).
Encourage them to speak directly with coaches about goals, concerns, or feedback.
Challenge them to introduce themselves to someone new at competitions or events.
The goal isn't to make teenagers uncomfortable for the sake of being uncomfortable. It's to gradually help them realize they can handle situations on their own. Every small interaction builds confidence, and confidence built in everyday situations carries over into school, jobs, interviews, athletics, and eventually the recruiting process.
By the time college coaches are watching and asking questions, athletes who have practiced these skills for years are often much more comfortable speaking for themselves and making a strong impression.
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