In “The Importance of Research,” Part 1 of our 4-part Webinar Series “Engineering the Recruiting Process,” Sports Recruits Co-Founder Matt Wheeler discussed how vital it is to set a foundation in the recruiting process.
In the Webinar, Matt touches upon how to build your target list of schools in an intelligent manner, and then notes how engagement from college coaches can be driven by targeting the right schools.
You can watch the video below, and also read some of the interesting takeaways from the presentation.
Here are a few key takeaways from the presentation!
Takeaway One: Data Can Help You
What It Means: The average player on our platform receives a considerable amount of engagement with college coaches. This is significant not simply because student-athletes are being aided by the platform, but because with this data we can confirm the principles behind it: Namely, that you are ultimately in control of your recruiting process! Despite the chaotic nature of how it feels, there is a roadmap that will help you on your journey.
From the presentation: “What we hope you take away from the slide is that this can be a guaranteed outcome. The rate of return on your time and effort in the process is very traceable, and you can see the results. What is interesting about this study was that it was agnostic to sport, where you were located, what club team you were on, or who your high school coach is. This is what we are striving for.”
Takeaway Two: Setting Your Foundation Is Key
What It Means: The research component of the recruiting process is of paramount importance. It ensures that you don’t waste your time or a college coach’s time. Without a list of schools with which to begin from, the process can derail before it gets out of the station. One of the crucial takeaways was to remember that while athletic pursuits are important, this is also your college search! It’s vital to think of what you may be interested after school is over, because it’s more than likely you’ll be going pro in something other than sports. Utilize academic advisers and coaches to help get a feel for where you are at, and combine that information into a target list of schools!
From the presentation: “Grades are very important. The better your grades are, the more options that will open up for you. So work hard in school and when the boards come around, do your best to attain the best scores possible, because that will pay off.”
Takeaway Three: More Activity, More Engagement
What It Means: One of the most statistically relevant findings in our data shows just how importance this research phase is: Players that do their research, consult with their families and coaches can feel confident in their target list of schools, which users of our platform denote as “Favorites.”
As you can see on the graph below, more favorites directly correlated with more engagement with college coaches. While this is not surprising, it exemplifies the point that the more you take control of the process, the more the process works – and it all starts with research and a strong foundation.
From the presentation: “What we have seen is that the number of favorites correlate directly with the number of messages you send. This means your process is organized and active, which means more engagement.”
Takeaway Four: It’s Possible to See Your Club Staff’s Help in Action
What It Means: While doing your part in research into a school’s academic side is vital, so to is receiving feedback to ensure you are targeting the right schools from an athletic perspective. Our integrated club staffers are able to look through your favorites list and recommend those they think will be a great fit.
This allows you as a player to move forward and message college coaches confidently, because you now know not only about the academic side, but that you are a good athletic fit there as well.
From the Presentation: Once a club staffer tags a school for a family, the student-athlete and their family get an email and a text letting them know. Now, the student-athlete can feel confident contacting that college coach.
