“What I Wish I Knew”

This is my fifth year as a student-athlete and there are many things I wish I knew beforehand.

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I understand that hindsight is 20/20 but I strive to create a culture in college athletics where the statement, "I wish I knew..." was used less. Out of all the things I wish I knew, the thing that stands out to me the most is that my college athlete experience has been nothing like I thought it would be however, it has enabled me to grow leaps and bounds.

When I was in high school I wanted to rush into my college career because I told myself that it was going to be everything that I saw on TV and in the movies. Then when I got to college I found myself regretting the days I had wished away. College is hard, and being a student-athlete is even harder.

Don’t Be Sold a Lie

Diving deeper into what you and your parents should know, and tips to help guide you.

“At the end of the day it's not the coolest gym or locker room that's there for you when you play shitty or fail a test or have a terrible practice. At the end of the day it's the people around you that are there for you.” -Anna DeWolfe of Fordham University Women's Basketball

Lying seems to be part of the game.

Picking a college is hard on its own. But trying to pick the right school for you when you are being sold empty promises and lies? That’s even harder. When I was going through the recruiting process the first time, I must have gone on only 5 out of my 30 visits when I realized coaches are really good at selling the things that I wanted to hear and see. Everything else seemed to be tucked away behind a curtain, only to come out when the recruit would leave. In other words, they sell you an experience just enough for you to commit and find out the realities the hard way. 

On these visits, I was being told all about the state-of-the-art facilities, and the gear we would get, the traveling we would take part in, and the iPads we would get to keep. As an immature teenager, I was enamored with these things. But I can tell you now, they were the wrong things to be mesmerized by. And maybe part of not knowing the answers to more important topics was because I wasn’t asking the right questions. With that being said, as much as these schools are looking for a player to fit into their program, you are also looking for a school that fits YOU. YOU get to decide what you want out of your college experience. Don't let them fool you. It should go both ways! 

So back to what you should be looking for:

When on a visit, pay particularly close attention to the lifestyle the players live and how the players interact with one another. Are they clapping for each other at practice? Are the players high-fiving one another? Are they motivating each other? Look to see if there is a genuine connection within the team. Similarly, examining the relationships between the players and coaches will tell you a great deal. Look to see if there is mutual respect. Probably one of the most important characteristics to look for within the program is, does the coach treat the players like just a number on a roster or as if they are a family member? That will tell you all you need to know!

The Uncharted Territory of College Recruiting

“I would say that it's [recruiting] a mix of building relationships and learning about yourself and your preferences to find a college that is right for you.” - Mackenzie Holmes of Indiana University Women's Basketball

Exploring the basics of the recruiting process: this is just the beginning. Let this process EMpower you!

Dream vs. Reality

Being recruited to play a college sport is a dream for many, but a reality for few. And, as exciting as it can be, it can be just as overwhelming. The recruiting process takes place between the ages of 13 to 18 years old. If you are lucky enough to begin the process early, many of these years are spent struggling to know who are and what you want - especially at such a young age. This is the main reason the recruiting process can be overwhelming and also why transfer rates are currently higher than ever before. Colleges are doing everything they can to get you to come to their school, therefore, they are only showing you the things you want to see: the shiny locker rooms, big gyms, and a multitude of gear. However, this can be very misleading.

With that being said, the best advice I can give to you is to know your goals, morals, and values, and hold them steadfast. When you are on a visit or talking to coaches on the phone, it is imperative that you share these things with conviction. It may seem uncomfortable discussing such topics especially with coaches who are recruiting you but if you want the best fit, it starts with communication. As much as the coaches want to know who they are recruiting, you and your parents should want to know who is potentially going to coach you.

 When getting into recruiting take your time and do not allow others to pressure you. At the end of the day, this choice is yours and it will be your life for the next four years (or more). If a coach is pressuring you to make a decision that should be a sign that maybe that school is not the place for you. If friends and family are pressuring you do not be afraid to set boundaries early. This is a time in your life where you have great potential to grow by learning to advocate for yourself. Lastly, you may change your mind multiple times and that is okay, just make sure to communicate honestly with those who are recruiting you. This will ensure that you do not waste your time or their time.