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Today, we have a special episode lined up for you. For those who follow the podcast regularly, you know that we usually have a guest. However, this time, it’ll just be me. I’m going to dive deep into a topic close to my heart: the college recruiting process.

I get more questions from parents, athletes, and coaches about recruiting than any other topic. To provide a comprehensive overview of the current recruiting landscape, I decided to do a solo episode. We’ll aim to keep it to about half an hour. If you’re listening and not watching, I encourage you to find this episode on YouTube, where you can follow along with the accompanying PowerPoint presentation. But don’t worry—I’ll make sure the audio version is just as informative.

Understanding the Competition

The first step is understanding what you’re up against. The recruiting process is extremely competitive. Just because your child loves baseball, has played since age five, and is on a travel team doesn’t mean they will automatically get an opportunity to play college baseball.

Here are some numbers from an NCAA study:

• About 482,000 high school baseball players.
• Only 36,000 NCAA Division I, II, and III players.

That’s a mere 7.5% going on to play at any college level. It’s incredibly competitive. For every Instagram post you see of a player committing to a college, there are thousands of kids feeling frustrated and overlooked.

Keeping an Open Mind

If your mindset is “D1 or bust,” you’re likely to be disappointed. While it’s great to aim for top schools like Clemson, Duke, or Penn State, your goal should be to find a school that fits you academically, athletically, and socially. Being open to Division II or III schools can increase your chances of finding a good fit.

Importance of Academics

Academics play a crucial role in the recruiting process. The better your grades, the more options you’ll have. Coaches do not want to recruit academic headaches. Strong grades can also translate into significant academic scholarships, making college more affordable.

Visiting Campuses

Get on campus as much as possible. This isn’t about attending open houses or meeting coaches—it’s about getting a feel for different campuses. Whether it’s a big school, a small school, a city setting, or a rural environment, you’ll start to understand what you like and don’t like. This will help you narrow down your list of potential schools.

Assessing Your Talent Level

You need an honest assessment of your talent level. Parents, while supportive, may not be the best judges. Seek feedback from high school and travel coaches, friends who are currently playing in college, or attend camps and showcases where you can be evaluated by college coaches. This feedback is invaluable in understanding where you stand.

Making a List of Potential Schools

Once you have an idea of your talent level and preferences, create an initial list of schools. Organize this list in a spreadsheet, including information about each school, such as academic requirements, the coach’s contact details, and your level of interest. Rank these schools into top, middle, and bottom categories and update the list as you get feedback from coaches.

Getting Evaluated

Your job is to get on the radar of college coaches. This can be done by being seen at high school or travel games, attending camps, and having a solid highlight video. Coaches recruit through people they trust, so having a high school or travel coach, or a recruiting advisor like myself, vouch for you can open doors.

Handling Feedback and Adjusting

After getting evaluated, you’ll receive feedback from coaches. If it’s negative, you have two options: get better or adjust your list of schools. Improvement might involve working on specific skills or physical conditioning. Adjusting your list means considering schools that match your current abilities more closely.

Understanding Eligibility and Scholarships

The NCAA has simplified eligibility rules. You no longer need an SAT or ACT score to play at Division I or II levels. You need a minimum GPA of 2.3 for Division I and 2.2 for Division II in your core courses. Scholarships vary, with Division I schools offering up to 11.7 scholarships, often divided among the team.

Final Steps and Making a Decision

Two stressful times in the recruiting process are when friends are committing, and you’re not, and when you have to choose between multiple offers. Investigate each school thoroughly. Visit campuses, attend classes, meet the team, and talk to current players to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

The recruiting process can be daunting, but with the right approach and resources, you can navigate it successfully. I hope this episode has provided some clarity and direction. For those who want more detailed guidance, feel free to reach out to me at College Baseball Advisors.

Thank you for tuning into the “And That’s the Game” podcast presented by ProBatter Sports. Until next time, keep striving, and remember: better practice, better play.

For more information about ProBatter Sports, visit us on the web at probatter.com.