10 Feb What College Coaches are Looking For in a Prospective Athlete

College coaches look for a combination of physical skills, mental qualities, and off-field traits when evaluating prospective athletes. Here are the key areas they typically focus on:

1. Skill Level

• Talent and Technique: Coaches want athletes who are skilled in their sport with solid fundamentals. They look for players who can execute key skills at a high level, whether it’s shooting accuracy in basketball or running form in track.
• Position-Specific Skills: Depending on the sport, they’ll focus on specific traits like speed, strength, agility, endurance, or technical ability that are essential for that position.

2. Athleticism

• Physical Fitness: College coaches are looking for athletes who are physically gifted and have the potential to compete at a high level. This includes factors like speed, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall athleticism.
• Potential for Growth: Coaches also look for athletes who have room for improvement and can develop further as they get proper training, coaching, and time to mature physically.

3. Work Ethic and Attitude

• Commitment to Improvement: Coaches value athletes who are driven, hardworking, and eager to improve. A strong work ethic in practice and a positive attitude towards training are key traits.
• Coachable: Coaches want athletes who are open to feedback, willing to listen, and can adapt their game. A player who is hard to coach or resistant to learning can be a red flag.
• These are things they should hear from your current coach when they reach out to learn more about you.

4. Mental Toughness

• Resilience: College sports can be demanding, so mental toughness is important. Coaches look for athletes who can stay focused under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and handle adversity.  I sometimes see in videos where a play doesn’t go the player’s way and they raise their hands or drop their head in disappointment – or worse.  Do your best to eliminate that and show your maturity.
• Competitive Spirit: Coaches want athletes who have a strong desire to compete, win, and perform under competitive conditions. They are looking for players who can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

5. Character and Leadership

• Team Player: Being a good teammate is often just as important as individual performance. Coaches seek athletes who contribute positively to the team dynamic and can put team goals ahead of personal ones.
• Leadership: Even if you’re not a team captain, coaches look for athletes who take initiative, motivate their teammates, and show leadership both on and off the field.

6. Academic Performance

• Grades and Test Scores: For most college programs, especially at competitive schools, strong academics are crucial. Coaches want athletes who are eligible for scholarships and can handle the academic load.
• Time Management: Athletes need to balance sports and academics, so coaches look for players who show they can manage their time effectively and prioritize commitments.

7. Off-Field Behavior

• Work Ethic Off the Field: Coaches often look at how an athlete behaves when they’re not on the field, whether they train independently, how they take care of their body, and their overall lifestyle.
• Discipline and Integrity: Coaches want athletes who demonstrate strong moral character and can be trusted to represent the program well, on and off the field.

8. Game Sense/ IQ

• Understanding of the Game: Coaches look for athletes who have a good understanding of the game, including strategy, tactics, and decision-making ability.
• Instincts and Awareness: Some athletes have natural instincts that help them make great plays or know how to read the game. This can be a significant advantage, especially for sports like soccer, football, or basketball.

9. Visibility and Communication

• Highlight Reels and Stats: A good highlight video can help get the attention of college coaches. Stats from competitions or seasons can also give a solid picture of an athlete’s performance.  I talk about the “complete picture” a lot.  That is why we look for both the tangibles and the intangibles.  If you score high on everything mentioned above, we can show that in the video.  Said differently, it’s not just the play.  What happens before and after the play can be just as important as the play itself.
• Proactive Communication: Being proactive in reaching out to coaches, sending updates on performance, or attending recruiting events (e.g., combines, showcases) helps increase visibility.  Your highlight reel isn’t a one-time thing.  You have to continue to produce highlight reels and get them in front of the coaches you are talking to.  You want to showcase how you are improving.  On that point, whether you put your highlight on YouTube or your sports profile, build a catalog of videos so a coach can actually see the improvement in your play over time.

10. Position Needs and Fit

• Be Ready to Hear You’re Not a Fit.  Don’t get down and don’t give up.  It is just part of the process and a coach is going to evaluate you based on several factors including:
  • Team Needs: Coaches are always looking for players who fit a need within their team. For example, if they need a fast sprinter, a strong defenseman, or a reliable point guard, they will prioritize athletes who fulfill those specific roles.
  • Cultural Fit: Coaches also look for athletes who will mesh well with the team’s culture. A good attitude, ability to fit into the existing team dynamic, and a willingness to accept your role on the team are all important.
• And, by the way, the team you’re looking at may not be a fit for you.  This is a two-way street and you are looking for a place where you are comfortable, surrounded by people you want to be around and when you will get the most out of your college experience.

Every sport and every coach might prioritize these factors slightly differently, but these qualities are commonly sought after across the board.

As always, please reach out if we can help!