PHENOM® BLOG
Q: I’ve emailed at least 20 coaches with little or no response. Should I give up?
A: No. If you really want to play at the collegiate level understand that you may have to reach out to hundreds of programs to reach your dream. But also remember you just need that ONE staff to believe in you – not every school in the country. – When...
Q: I’m ready to send my info to colleges – what should I write in the letters to coaches?
A: The #1 Rule to getting coaches to notice you is that they MUST see you play—either on person or on tape—to have any legitimate interest in recruiting you. So before you send college coaches’ letters or emails, get your highlights and game film together and get them on YouTube...
Q: What do I do if my high school coach isn’t sending out my film?
A: Your coaches can help you get your foot in the door, but you can also get the process started without them. Believe it or not, a lot of high school coaches don’t send out much film or help their players be proactive with the recruiting process. At the end...
Q: Where do players send their film to be evaluated? Can they send it to college coaches directly?
A: Yes! Each coaching staff splits recruiting responsibilities, normally by location, position or grad year. For this reason, it is a big time and energy-saver to begin the process by contacting the coach who is responsible for recruiting your hometown or position. Once the recruiting coach has done their research...
Q: I didn’t have a good junior year, is there any way I can get looks my senior year? Is junior year the most important year?
A: Yes, recruiting can pick up or even begin your senior year. If you have little or no interest after your junior year you have a few options. The most important things to remember if you are in this situation are that you must be willing to do the footwork...
Q: You talk about scouts in my area, how do I get them to notice me or how do I get my info to them?
A: There are scouts in many regions that are scouting local tournaments and players in the area. You are probably aware of the National Top 100 lists for many sports, run by websites and media members. If you happen to be named to such Top 100 ranks, understand that these...
Q: Coaches want to switch my position but I think I’m too slow for that new position. What should I do?
A: Coaches are going to have an idea of what position they will use you at. Depending on your base size, speed and general skills (ball handling, ball control, hands, burst, toughness, ability to play defense)—they have a pretty good idea of where they want you to line up at...
Q: I want a certain coach or school to come watch me play, how do I get them to come to my game?
A: Coaches need a REASON to come see you as a prospective student-athlete, it’s an investment and they are very selective about how they spend their time and budget. Coaches are investing travel time, flights, hotel stays, nights away from their family, practice time with their players – they need...
Q: What grade to college coaches start looking at you?
A: While they can’t contact you until sometime around your junior year (it varies by sport), coaches are researching and compiling lists of top sophomores and freshmen, sometimes even younger. Coaches work off a list of players that they are recruiting, let’s call it their ‘Watch List.’ They are constantly...
Q: Does my child need to play on a high profile club/AAU team? Do coaches comb through all teams at tourneys and evaluate?
A: No, not necessarily. When coaches are evaluating players at tournaments, yes, they are looking for new talent that is not currently on their radar. But, they’re also there supporting players they are already interested in and actively recruiting, and even players who have already committed or signed. Even when...
Q: How do you get colleges from other states to recruit you?
A: If you’re interested in attending school out of state, and they’re not coming to you… go to them! One of the first overall decisions to think about during the recruiting process is: do you want to go to school close to home, or do you want to experience another...
Q: What’s the easiest way to get recruited?
A: For many of you, there is no ‘easy’ way. There will be a lot of unreturned emails and voicemails. Coaches may not be showing up to your games or calling you. They may be quickly rejecting you. At times it may feel impossible. For many of you, you will...
