The Role of Parents in the Recruiting Process

1. Stress academics more than athletics.

Parents really need to keep the entire recruiting process in perspective. A career can be over in one play; then what happens to their child? Parents should encourage their child to be as good as they can be in both academics and athletics. More doors will be open to the student-athlete who is solid both in the classroom and on the field.

2. Work through the high school coach.

It’s very important that parents do not by-pass the high school coach in the recruiting process. This is not only looked upon negatively by the high school coach, but also by the college. The high school coach is the direct liaison with the colleges. It’s crucial that parents and coaches work hand-in-hand helping the student-athlete during the entire recruiting process.

3. Encourage attendance at camps and combines.

Exposure of the student athletes to camps and combines is important in recruiting. Working through the high school coach, parents and student athletes select a limited number of camps and/or combines that the student athlete should attend. Normally the high school coach can best match up the talents of the student athlete to the best camps.

4. Do college research.

There are a variety of ways to obtain information about specific colleges and universities. Parents can, and should extensively check out those institutions the student athlete is most interested in attending. Graduation, rates, various majors, post academic programs, etc. can all be found through the internet, working through the high school counselor and by dealing directly with specific institutions.

5. Go on college visits.

Parents should not allow their child to make an official college visit by themselves. Deciding which college or university to attend is one of the most important decisions in one’s lifetime. Parents may ask questions and make observations the student athlete may not. The maturity and experience of the parents is vital in the recruiting process. Do not assume the child has everything under control; parents need to help.

6. Put egos aside.

When it gets down to the time to make the decision on which college to attend, parents and the student athlete must put egos aside. The final decision as to what school to attend should be based on the best overall match. School size should not be as important as the best academic, athletic and social match.

Bill Conley worked at Ohio State for 17 years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

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