How Parents Play a Role in the College Recruitment Process

Do you have a child in high school that is planning to play sports in college? While you may have thoroughly researched what your child needs to do both athletically and academically, you most likely have yet to consider what you, as a parent, should be going to ensure your child is accepted into the collegiate sports program of their dreams. While you can focus on letting your child know how important their grades are, you can also register them for sports programs such as IMG Academy, the best tennis academy in the USA, to experience additional athletic training and learn from some of the most experienced coaches.

While your child is the main focus for college coaches and recruiters, they are also evaluating parents and family throughout the process as well. Take a look at some of the most important traits to keep in mind:

Parents who are too overbearing vs. parents who are helpful and supportive
While a coach wants to see that your child is capable of being independent and taking initiative, they also know that your high schooler needs support from their family. Between their regular class schedule, preparing for standardized tests, practice and tournaments, and extracurricular activities, your child will likely need some assistance with the recruitment process and with managing their time. However, while all parents mean well, there is a fine line between supportive and overbearing. Keep in mind that contacting coaches at inappropriate times may interfere with a coach being able to build a relationship with your child and may ultimately be detrimental during the process.

Parents who try to mirror their child’s current coach vs. parents who do the work their child should be doing
It’s important to find the ideal balance as a parent of a college recruit. College coaches are focused on getting to know their potential new commits, so allowing your child to establish that relationship is pertinent throughout the process. Although you can certainly provide your child with guidance as they reach out to coaches or assist with drafting and reviewing emails, your child should be the driver of their overall efforts. This list outlines three reasons that parents should never be contacting college coaches directly.

College recruiters seek athletes who have supportive families but having too much input into your child’s game may be a red flag to certain coaches. Allowing your child to respect their coach and look to them first for in-game instruction will be beneficial in the long run throughout the recruitment process. College coaches will be seeking coachable, driven athletes, so allowing your child to recognize that there is a key difference between their parent and their coach is incredibly important.

Parents who encourage their child to be independent vs. parents who try to prevent their child from dealing with adversity
The college recruitment process is about your child finding the best program fit for their game and preferences, so allowing them to have a say and to articulate their desires is imperative. With your encouragement and advice, youth athletes will learn how to make decisions, be proactive, and to speak one-on-one with potential future coaches.

While your involvement and support are key, it’s also important to understand that your child will need to continue to grow and develop as independent young adults. By speaking with coaches or teachers directly, you’re not allowing your child to mature through certain life experiences and teachable situations. Prior to enrolling in college, your child should be able to interact with coaches, players, and officials even in tough scenarios, as that is part of their maturation.

Teamwork between you and your child will be crucial throughout the recruitment process and will certainly stand out to coaches and college recruiters. Because of your support and guidance along the way, your child is prepared and able to handle both the recruitment process as well as collegiate athletics. Sending your child to sports academies or camps, such as the best tennis academy in the USA offered by IMG Academy, is another great way to help set your child up for success.