June 30, 2009

Recruiting Tips for the Unsigned Senior

By Jake Chapman, Showcase U Co-founder

This past month I've been corresponding with several unsigned senior baseball and softball players with an active interest in continuing their athletic careers in college.  Many of them regret not being more proactive with their personal recruiting campaigns in their earlier years of high school.  Several of them passed on opportunities waiting for the DI schools to call, and then scrambled back to the DII, DIII or NAIA programs only to learn they already filled their positions and missed an opportunity for a scholarship or a discounted education.  So what do you do if this happens to you?  If you want it bad enough, you will fight, scratch and claw your way into a program.  Here are some tips for the unsigned senior.

1. Set the table.  It's time to sit down and have a few slices of humble pie.  Swallow hard and face facts.  LSU didn't call.  Guess what? They didn't call 99.9% of high school student athletes.  Don't focus on the opportunities lost yesterday...focus on those you will discover today and tomorrow.  Keep your academic standards high, but it is time to lower the bar athletically and find a program you can contribute to NOW.  
   • DI -  Over 300 programs  Sample DI Program
   • DII -  Over 245 programs  Sample DII Program
   • DIII -  Over 365 programs  Sample DIII Program
   • NAIA -  Over 200 programs  Sample NAIA Program
   • NJCAA -  Over 475 programs  Sample JUCO Program
   • NCCAA - Over 15 programs    Sample NCCAA Program
   • (All examples are baseball in this instance)
2. Sharpen your pencil and grease your CPU.   
   • We all have been taught that the personal correspondence is the best way to connect to a college coach.  Nothing is more effective than a hand written note.  As an unsigned senior, you don't have a tremendous amount of time, so writing a significant amount of letters is unrealistic and expensive.  Pick those institutions atop your "realistic" list that meet your academic needs and start writing.  Be honest, be enthusiastic and be brief.  And don't forget to ask for the obvious - a chance to continue your athletic career while attaining a degree.
   • IF YOU READ ANYTHING, PLEASE READ THIS.  I am proud to say that ShowcaseU.com is extremely helpful for this point, so listen carefully.  As noted before, there isn't time to write everyone, however, there is time to fill out a significant number of online recruiting questionnaires.  Remember, the same rules apply.  Do your homework on the institution first, but this is a great way to connect with a coach.  Follow all instructions outlined in this prior blog:  Click Here.  If you are using ShowcaseU.com to its fullest potential, don't be surprised to see a little smoke coming from your computer.  :)
3. Charge your cell phone.   In addition to the written correspondence, you might consider following up with a quick phone call.  Many coaches are out scouting this summer, so you may get their voicemail. Leave a brief message saying something similar to the following.  (Always tell the truth and be yourself.)
   • My name is _____, I am an unsigned senior from _______ high school and I play ___.
   • I have a serious interest in your school and program.
   • I believe I can make a positive and immediate impact in your program. 
   • Can we talk about an opportunity, schedule a workout, or coordinate a date you can come see me play?
   • Thank you. 
4. Fill up your gas tank.  This point is directly related to the prior points.  In your written, electronic and phone correspondence, you may get invited to come for a workout.  Be prepared to say yes and be prepared to do some driving.  Remember, ShowcaseU search results tell you to the tenth of a mile how far each coach is from your home.  Take advantage of that information prior to requesting a workout. 
5. Rent the movie Rudy.  You may ultimately have to do what many collegiate athletes do - try to make the team as a walk-on.  Sometimes the schools you choose for their curriculum and academic standards aren't recruiting you to play ball.  As a former DII walk-on, I remember feeling very blessed that I received a jersey.  I didn't expect nor did I see much playing time my first two years.  I trained harder than I ever had before and deservedly got a chance to play my junior and senior years.  I was drafted both years (Twins and Royals) and was one win away from winning an NCAA World Series Championship my senior season.  Good things can happen for walk-ons. You just need to give yourself a chance.

 A dad asked me once, "Jake, when is it too late for my son to get a shot at playing college ball?" 

I answered, "It is only too late if you end the process.  It's over when you stop trying." 

I leave you with this last thought. 

We are all competitors, so if you are going to go down -- go down with a fight.  You may be surprised how many coaches may reach down, pick you up off the canvas, and hand you that "last" jersey from the back of the closet. 

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