Tips to Prepare for Summer Camps and Showcases

While last summer was a summer unlike any other, these next few months will see the return of camps, combines, clinics and showcases for student-athletes across the country!  While you’re on the field (or court, or ice) you know you want to put on a show – play hard, play smart and hustle – but keep in mind that ‘in the moment’ is not the only place to showcase yourself! Here are our five tips to make sure you’re making the most of an in person camp this summer:

1. Register and sign up for camps and showcases that optimize your experience, show off your abilities, and will provide a clear resource and understanding for your future. Review camps to know who the coaching staff on hand will be, how - if at all - your information is shared with colleges, what information is shared with you, and what your take-away will be (insights or data, things to practice and hone, highlights and footage for sharing).
2. About a month prior to the event, work to find out who the coaches, recruiters, and program representatives will be in attendance. Generate a list of the contact information (emails, phone numbers) for those that you’d consider your top schools and ‘best fits’.
3. Reach out to those who you are interested in potentially playing for – via email, phone – to introduce yourself, to share initial information (highlights, resume), and to let them know that you are excited to perform for them. If you are given a certain jersey or number, be sure to share that information with them as well.  Above all – keep in mind that this ‘introduction’ will serve as a solid base for communications throughout the process (both for the event as well as potentially after and during any recruiting progressions) and enables them to touch base with you at the camp/showcase.
4. Carry yourself like an ultimate professional (which you should be doing at all times anyway!). Make sure that your play on the field matches your conduct off of it. Someone is always watching you, analyzing your abilities and your character, so any immature behavior could be a deal-breaker. Programs want players who are disciplined, have a good work ethic, and have high standards for themselves. They want athletes who are coachable, who listen and execute – or do their absolute best to - on what they’re told.
5. A few days following the showcase, reach out to the representatives (coach, recruiter) of your top schools. Display gratitude, especially if the coach formally introduced themselves to you at the showcase. Inquire as to any potential next steps, requirements the team may have, as well as the school’s admissions needs. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you have!

And if you have any questions on this process - both athletic recruiting or college admissions as a whole - do not hesitate to contact us!