Welcome to the eleventh installment of our weekly column, “Too Embarrassed to Ask,” where we’ll examine a hot topic from the world of recruiting that parents and student-athletes may want to know more about, but may shy away from asking because it is considered assumed knowledge.
Think of this column like a cheat sheet for those instances it is no longer acceptable to ask a question, say, having met someone three times but still not knowing their name.
This week’s issue: Social Media.
The question: Do college coaches see or care about social media?
The short answer: YES. (That was me, screaming).
The actual answer: While this may come as somewhat of a surprise, college coaches have this thing called “Google.” This means when they are recruiting you, they have the capability (and responsibility) to perform their due diligence.
If you have things on the Internet that can make a coach question your character, judgment or commitment, it will be a very, very large red flag.
This answer is really pretty simple: Be cognizant of your social media accounts, because coaches can and likely will see your posts at some point.
The movie quote that explains current understanding: “Dear Mitch, If you’re holding this letter, you already know. The house has been boarded up. The windows, the doors – everything. We’re at the Comfort Inn. Room 112. I love you, Frank.”
-Frank Ricard, from 2003’s Old School
What the quote says in our context: In this hysterical film that served as a predecessor for so many in its wake, a group of middle-aged men attempt to relive their college glory years by starting a fraternity.
After one too many antics, the house they were using is repossessed by the school’s administration, leading to Frank (played by Will Ferrell) leaving this note on the door of the boarded up building for his friend, Mitch (Luke Wilson). This quote is useful for our purposes in two ways.
The first, and most obvious, is that once a college coach has seen something you have posted on social media, it’s too late to recall it. Much like Frank’s note was already very apparent to Mitch since he’s already at the boarded-up house, so too will a coach have reason to potentially doubt recruiting you should what they see be questionable in nature.
The second, and potentially less obvious, is more a word to the wise: Old School is a funny movie. Hilarious, even. But, it’s also purposefully absurd, and contains more than its share of outrageous material (putting it mildly).
So, in addition to the obvious things to avoid putting on social media (you know right from wrong, so there’s no need for a list), remember that things you like – movies like Old School, for example, or music or whatever else – may not be appreciated or recognized by others.
A funny movie quote or song lyric that you may find innocuous may raise a flag with someone else. So, fair or otherwise, just be careful.
Our Advice: While things like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Vine, Periscope et. al. are entertaining ways to communicate with friends, do not put anything online that you would not want read by your parents, college coaches or teachers.
What you put on the Internet is a direct reflection on you. Avoid bad language or subjects that would be considered sensitive. Use your discretion.
Remember, what’s written on the Internet is written in non-erasable ink. Deleting posts or editing them will not stop an earlier screenshot or some other database from capturing it in perpetuity.
If you would not say something to your parents, coaches or teachers in person, do not put it online.
A quick laugh or throwaway joke is not worth the chance at your dream school.