College Coaches: 3 Evaluation Operatives

By Tom Kovic

Recruiting is essential for every college coach, and the aim is simple. Fill position gaps on the team with stronger talent than the year before. Therefore, most college coaches have identified 3 evaluation operatives to reach that end. Identify, recruit, and retain strong students, impact athletes, and those prospects that bring leadership qualities to the team.

Furthermore, the college athletics recruiting process has evolved into a new and intricate level. The volume of e-mails, phone calls, and texts increases daily. College coaches work diligently to develop and implement seamless filtering systems to maximize recruiting. And you can help them.

Strong Students
College coaches embrace strong students as part of the 3 evaluation operatives for several reasons.

First and most important, prospective student-athletes need to meet minimum academic standards that have been established by the NCAA. Every prospect who is looking to play college sport at Division 1 or 2 levels must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
College coaches are tasked to win. To experience winning seasons, coaches need to train their athletes at very high levels. Student-athletes who are struggling in the classroom will likely struggle in every other area of their life.
Those coaches who represent academically select colleges recruit prospects as students first. They must. A 5-star prospect, who brings strong athletic talent to the recruiting table, but lacks the academic qualifications to will not help the program.

A sound strategy for prospects that will assist the college coaches with academic evaluation is to provide information. They will require academic transcripts, standardized test results, and a copy of the high school profile to determine your academic baseline. Furthermore, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and share your PIN with the college coaches.

Impact Athletes
Equally important, college coaches want to evaluate raw athletic talent that will strengthen the program. There are several ways prospects can assist college coaches with sport evaluations. Furthermore, recruiting candidates must embrace a proactive effort when helping coaches evaluate your athleticism.

Highlight and competition video should be clean, and present accurate, and concrete skill-set at the highest level.
Attend ID camps and showcases and communicate precise event details with the college coaches.
In addition, college prospect camps are ideal if you have narrowed down your A list of colleges. You not only can make an unofficial visit, but you are also guaranteed an on-site evaluation from the coaches representing one of your top colleges.

Leadership Qualities
Academic and athletic evaluations are time-consuming but relatively more straightforward for college coaches to accomplish. Identifying potential “strong links in the team chain” requires experience and unique talent.

Prospective student-athletes should make every effort to offer the college coaches with a glimpse into your distinct core. Personal integrity and inherent leadership qualities you bring to the table can be a game-changer.

In addition, your club coach can to step up and engage the college coaches directly. Both coaches speak and understand a common language regarding team dynamics.

Understanding college coaches and their tactics with recruiting will bolster your recruiting plan significantly. College coaches use 3 evaluation operatives when identifying prospects.

Present yourself as a well-rounded, dedicated prospect, and add a unique touch that helps engage college coaches on a personal level. Do this, and you will give yourself the best opportunity to maximize your college recruiting effort.

Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and Founder/Principal of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he advises prospects and families on college recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.