How High School Athletes Can Leverage Social Media for Success in Recruiting
The popularity of social media and how teenagers interact with it has been a seismic event in how high schoolers navigate relationships, career opportunities, and even athletic pursuits. It makes connecting with friends, potential employers, and college recruiters easier than ever.
But this seemingly infinite power must be managed responsibly so athletes can—at the same time—take advantage of what social media has to offer while avoiding its pitfalls. With some self-discipline and a sound strategy, social media can be a great tool to market yourself to others who might not normally get a chance to see you.
A large study found that among over 2,000 high school athletes surveyed, over 70% used social media regularly, and over 80% were okay with a coach or recruiter contacting them through a social media account.
Electronic forms of communication are even more crucial now as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. Coaches and scouts are traveling again, but they are also continuing to use a mix of virtual recruiting that was solely done in 2020 and much of 2021.
Social Media Checklist for High School Recruits
An athlete wishing to be recruited should list their basic information on their profile, including their sport, positions, game stats, and measurable stats. Also list academic achievements and civic interests and honors like awards received and volunteer work.
While you should definitely post videos of your athletic highlights, supplement that with photos and videos of your training, as that will show recruiters that you are dedicated and willing to put in the hard work. Also consider posts that aren't related to your athletic pursuits that show off-field interests or your personality.
If you are trying to attract recruiters through your social media accounts, be sure to pay attention to comments and direct messages. Respond to them promptly and respectfully.
In addition to what you should do, there are also things you should not do. Do not post anything that could put you in a negative light or allow someone to question your character. This is especially difficult for adults, let alone teens, but once you get into a mindset of re-reading and examining posts before you publish them, you will begin to develop an instinct for what is better off being left unsaid.
Social media is just going to become more and more a part of everyone's lives as time goes on, and with the competition being so fierce, one wrong move can be the difference between an offer and a rejection, so be sure to give yourself every possible advantage.
But this seemingly infinite power must be managed responsibly so athletes can—at the same time—take advantage of what social media has to offer while avoiding its pitfalls. With some self-discipline and a sound strategy, social media can be a great tool to market yourself to others who might not normally get a chance to see you.
A large study found that among over 2,000 high school athletes surveyed, over 70% used social media regularly, and over 80% were okay with a coach or recruiter contacting them through a social media account.
Electronic forms of communication are even more crucial now as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. Coaches and scouts are traveling again, but they are also continuing to use a mix of virtual recruiting that was solely done in 2020 and much of 2021.
Social Media Checklist for High School Recruits
An athlete wishing to be recruited should list their basic information on their profile, including their sport, positions, game stats, and measurable stats. Also list academic achievements and civic interests and honors like awards received and volunteer work.
While you should definitely post videos of your athletic highlights, supplement that with photos and videos of your training, as that will show recruiters that you are dedicated and willing to put in the hard work. Also consider posts that aren't related to your athletic pursuits that show off-field interests or your personality.
If you are trying to attract recruiters through your social media accounts, be sure to pay attention to comments and direct messages. Respond to them promptly and respectfully.
In addition to what you should do, there are also things you should not do. Do not post anything that could put you in a negative light or allow someone to question your character. This is especially difficult for adults, let alone teens, but once you get into a mindset of re-reading and examining posts before you publish them, you will begin to develop an instinct for what is better off being left unsaid.
Social media is just going to become more and more a part of everyone's lives as time goes on, and with the competition being so fierce, one wrong move can be the difference between an offer and a rejection, so be sure to give yourself every possible advantage.
