PARENT ’ S PERSPECTIVE :
Don ’ t waste the time on over-produced videos .
If you ’ re sending a video , it doesn ’ t need to be professionally shot or needlessly lengthy ; coaches simply need to be able to quickly see what your athlete can do . Keep it short ( two or three minutes is probably sufficient ), post it to YouTube and send the coach a link .
Emphasize the importance of academics and character . It won ’ t matter how great an athlete a student is if the student can ’ t also compete in the classroom or can ’ t stay out of trouble . A coach wants to see effort being made in all aspects of your teen ’ s life , so decisions made off the field are every bit as important as performance on the field .
Keep perspective .
While your athlete may be gifted , the reality is that only 2 % of athletes are awarded scholarships at the NCAA level . To put this another way , CNBC says that your odds are greater at getting into Harvard than playing a major sport on scholarship . Furthermore , full-ride sports scholarships are even more rare ; only football , men ’ s and women ’ s basketball , volleyball , tennis and women ’ s gymnastics even offer them . All other sports are considered “ equivalency sports ” in which schools have a set amount of money which they divide up among athletes , usually resulting in relatively small scholarship amounts .
PARENT ’ S PERSPECTIVE :
Dan Knotts , father of Seth Knotts , offers his advice . Seth graduated from Prattville High School in 2015 where he holds the honor of all-time leading receiver . Seth was awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of West Alabama .
“ Grades are very important ,” Knotts stresses . “ You can be the best athlete around but if the ACT score and grades are not there , the chances of being offered a scholarship are slim . They may show interest in your skills but sooner or later these things become important . Coaches obviously look for the best athletes but most of the time there is more consideration in what kind of person you are . They ask coaches and teachers about you and check out your grades .”
As for visibility , Knotts says , “ Going to football camps is a great way to become visible , participating in 7-on-7s and visiting schools . If you have an interest in a school reach out to them and express your interest . Your High School Coach is key , often times these coaches will recommend an athlete to a recruiter . Most have established relationships with college recruiters .”
Finally , Knotts says , “ Always remember that recruiters are basically salesmen ; their job is to gain your interest by selling that school , usually followed with an invitation for an official visit . This visit is where you find out what kind of scholarship they are willing to offer .” And remember , “ If it does not feel right then it probably isn ’ t . My son passed on two schools before accepting an offer .”
“ To be recruited is an exceptional experience , you ’ ll receive letters from coaches , calls and visits from recruiters and advice from your peers and family . It ’ s an interview so prepare accordingly . Ask lots of questions and choose the school that fits you and your family ,” Knotts advises .
42 | Spring 2017 www . potentialmagazine . com