For many young athletes, earning an athletic scholarship to a US college is the ultimate goal. The opportunity to continue playing the sport you love while receiving financial assistance for your education is a dream come true. However, the process of getting recruited and securing a scholarship can be competitive and complex, and there are common mistakes in college recruiting that can derail your chances. Whether you’re just starting your recruiting journey or are nearing the end, avoiding these pitfalls is critical. Here are the most common mistakes that hurt athletic scholarship chances—and how to avoid them.

 

1. Waiting too long to start the recruiting process

Some athletes believe they can wait until their senior year to start the recruiting process. By then, many scholarships may already be allocated and can also make it harder to build relationships with coaches. Starting the recruiting process with an agency early means that they can build an accurate representation of your sporting level.

How to avoid it: 

• Begin the recruiting process as early as you can.
• Research schools and programs that align with your athletic abilities and academic goals.
• Use a recruiting agency to showcase your highlights and stats.

 

2. Overlooking social media

Your social media presence matters and is one of the most common mistakes in college recruiting. Inappropriate posts or comments can quickly ruin a coach’s impression of you, even if you’re a standout athlete. Coaches often check a recruit’s social media accounts to learn more about their character.

How to avoid it: 

• Clean up your social media profiles, removing any inappropriate or controversial content.
• Use platforms like X or Instagram to promote your athletic achievements and highlight videos.
• Stay professional and respectful in all online interactions.

Read our blog for more tips on how you can use social media to aid your recruitment.

 

3. Not communicating with coaches

Coaches receive hundreds of emails and messages from prospective recruits, but many athletes make the mistake of assuming they’ll be discovered without putting in effort. Failing to communicate proactively can leave you off a coach’s radar.

How to avoid it: 

• When connected with coaches, make sure you email them first so it shows you have excitement and initiative.
• Consistently update coaches your speaking to with your academic and athletic results and upcoming schedule.
• When you do communicate with coaches, make sure you’re aware of the time difference between your countries.

4. Not prioritising academics

Many athletes make the mistake of focusing solely on their athletic performance, assuming it’s all that matters. But college coaches are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who meet their school’s academic standards. A low GPA or poor SAT scores can make you ineligible for scholarships, no matter how talented you are on the field.

How to avoid it:

• Stay disciplined in the classroom and take challenging courses.
• Set academic goals alongside athletic ones.
• Seek help from tutors or teachers if you’re struggling in any subject.

 

5. Ignoring the importance of highlight videos

In today’s digital world, a strong highlight video is one of the most effective ways to grab a coach’s attention. However, some athletes either fail to create one, create a low-quality video, or don’t share it in the right places.

How to avoid it:

• Compile your best footage into a professional highlight reel.
• Keep the video to no more than 5 minutes, focusing on the strongest attribute of your game.

 

6. Being unrealistic about your athletic level

Many athletes dream of playing for a Division I powerhouse, but not everyone has the ability to compete at that level. Overestimating your athletic abilities and targeting the wrong programs can result in missed opportunities at schools that would be a better fit.

How to avoid it: 

• Get an honest evaluation of your abilities from coaches or recruiting experts.
• Research programs that match your skill level, whether it’s Division I, II, III, NAIA, or NJCAA.
• Focus on finding the right fit academically, athletically and socially.

7. Burning bridges with coaches or teammates

Your attitude and behavior matter just as much as your skills. Coaches want athletes who are coachable, respectful, and positive team players. A bad attitude, poor sportsmanship, or conflicts with teammates can hurt your reputation and recruitment.

How to avoid it: 

• Always show respect to coaches, teammates and officials, even in tough situations.
• Stay humble and open to feedback.
• Be known as a leader and team player on and off the field.

 

8. Relying solely on your contacts

While your athletic coach can play a key role in your recruitment, leaving the entire process in their hands is a mistake. They won’t have the volume of connections that a recruitment agency has meaning that you will be limited in what schools are available to you.

How to avoid it: 

• Take ownership of your recruiting journey
• Use recruiting services or platforms to expand your reach.
• Work with your coach to ensure they can provide recommendations when needed.

 

9. Failing to research the schools you’re interested in

Many athletes focus solely on the athletic aspect of a school and fail to consider whether it’s a good fit academically, socially, or geographically. Accepting a scholarship without doing proper research can lead to regret or transferring later.

How to avoid it:

• Talk to current players and students to get a feel for the environment.
• Research the school’s academic programs, graduation rates, and support systems for athletes.
• Consider factors like distance from home, campus size and overall culture.

 

Final Thoughts

Earning an athletic scholarship is a major accomplishment, but it requires more than just talent. By avoiding these common mistakes in college recruiting, you can improve your chances of building connections with college coaches and finding the right college fit for you. Remember, the recruiting process is a marathon, not a sprint, so stay proactive, stay focused, and keep working hard both on and off the field.

Want to avoid making these common mistakes in college recruitment? Drop us a message here and we can give you a free evaluation of where your athletic skills are at.