12 Ways to Uniquely Define Your Program to Recruits
We've made the case for defining yourself to prospects. Here are the best ways to do it
Our last two posts have a lot of college coaches talking:
We explained why it’s valuable to tell your prospects who you aren’t, and also why defining yourself and your program is so critical for you recruits.
But those of you who subscribe to our special daily Honey Badger Recruiting posts on this platform wanted more. And we’re here to deliver.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a starting point. Build on these ideas, and focus on defining yourself to your recruits as early as possible.
Tell them why you chose to coach there.
Tell them about what some of your freshmen said they wish they had known before they got there, especially if it’s something that’s not necessarily a selling point. (When you do that, it helps build trust early in the process, Coach)
Explain what the one big change in your program will be during the four years your prospect will be competing for you.
Tell them why a degree from your school is better than a degree from other schools. Make the case, even if it seems like a small difference.
Reveal what happens during pre-season of their freshman year.
Talk about the dorms, and what you hear your team talking about that they seem to like most about living there.
Define how you and your athletic department are going to make sure they succeed academically once they get to school, and try to take any specific challenges that your individual recruit has into account as you craft your definitions.
List the places where some of your former student-athletes now work, and how you’ll help to get your recruit into their future career after college.
Answer the key question of what your athletic plan is for that specific student-athlete, and how you’re going to make them better than they are now.
Tell them who would be the wrong type of student and athlete for your campus and your program.
Explain your timeline for when they need to make a decision, and make the case for you wanting them to decide sooner rather than later because they are wanted by you the most.
Do everything you just did for the prospect for their parents.
Do the work, tell your story, and define your program, Coach.