The college recruiting process can be exciting, stressful, and confusing all at once. Between highlight videos, contacting coaches, showcases, and eligibility rules, it is easy for student-athletes to make small mistakes that can cost big opportunities.

Whether you are just starting your recruiting journey or already talking to college coaches, avoiding common missteps can set you apart. In this article, we will cover the most frequent recruiting mistakes athletes make and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Starting the Recruiting Process Too Late

Many athletes wait until their senior year to start reaching out to coaches or building their profiles. By then, most college programs have already filled their recruiting classes.

Why It Hurts You

Recruiting begins earlier than most athletes realize. College coaches start building watch lists as early as freshman or sophomore year. If you wait too long, you risk missing your window to get noticed.

How to Avoid It

• Start Early: Begin researching schools and creating your highlight video by your sophomore year.
• Be Proactive: Even if you are not ready to commit, start contacting coaches to introduce yourself.
• Use Recruiting Platforms: Create a complete profile on the ASM Sports App so college coaches can find you easily.

2. Sending Generic Messages to Coaches

Coaches receive hundreds of messages/emails every week. The fastest way to get ignored is by sending a copy-and-paste message with no personalization.

Why It Hurts You

Generic messages show coaches that you have not done your research or are not genuinely interested in their program. Coaches want athletes who care about their team and culture.

How to Avoid It

• Personalize Every Message: Mention something specific about the program such as a recent win, a player you admire, or a facility upgrade.
• Include Key Details: Share your name, graduation year, position, GPA, and a link to your highlight video.
• End with a Question: Ask about upcoming camps or what the coach looks for in recruits at your position.

3. Ignoring Academics

Many athletes focus only on athletic performance and forget that college coaches also care deeply about academics.

Why It Hurts You

Even if you are a top athlete, you must meet the NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements to compete. A poor GPA or missing core classes can make you ineligible, no matter how talented you are.

How to Avoid It

• Know the Requirements: Review the NCAA’s 16 core course list and track your grades early.
• Keep Your GPA Strong: Aim for at least a 3.0 to give yourself more opportunities.
• Communicate with Coaches: Let them know your academic progress and if you plan to take the SAT or ACT.

4. Failing to Create a Strong Highlight Video

Your highlight video is often your first impression with college coaches. A poorly edited or hard-to-follow video can cost you valuable attention.

Why It Hurts You

Coaches have limited time. If your video is too long or does not clearly show your abilities, they may move on before seeing your best plays.

How to Avoid It

• Keep It Short: The ideal highlight video is 2–4 minutes.
• Show Your Strengths First: Start with your best clips and plays.
• Use Clear Angles: Make sure the camera follows the action and shows your positioning.
• Add Basic Info: Include your name, sport, position, height, weight, class year, and contact info at the start or end.

You can upload your video to the ASM Sports App so coaches can view it directly alongside your stats and achievements.

5. Overlooking Communication Etiquette

Sometimes athletes hurt their chances simply because they do not communicate professionally.

Why It Hurts You

College coaches notice how you interact. Poor grammar, lack of response, or acting too casual in messages can leave a negative impression.

How to Avoid It

• Respond Promptly: Try to reply within 24–48 hours.
• Be Respectful: Always address coaches by name and thank them for their time.
• Stay Professional on Social Media: Remember, coaches often check athlete profiles before reaching out. Keep posts positive and avoid controversial content.

6. Not Researching Schools Properly

Many athletes focus only on well-known schools or programs they see on TV. However, there are hundreds of colleges with excellent athletic programs that could be a better fit.

Why It Hurts You

Limiting your search can cause you to miss out on opportunities that match your athletic level, academic goals, or desired major.

How to Avoid It

• Build a List: Include a mix of Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO options.
• Look at the Roster: See if players in your position are graduating soon.
• Visit Campuses: Take both official and unofficial visits to see what feels right.

The best school is not always the biggest name. It is the one that offers the right balance of academics, athletics, and personal growth.

7. Waiting for Coaches to Contact You

A common myth in recruiting is that if you are good enough, coaches will find you. While this can happen for elite athletes, most players must take initiative.

Why It Hurts You

Relying only on exposure events or social media means you are competing with thousands of other athletes. Coaches prioritize athletes who show genuine interest and communicate directly.

How to Avoid It

• Reach Out Consistently: Send updates every few months about your progress, schedule, or new achievements.
• Stay Visible: Post your highlights, stats, and achievements on verified recruiting platforms.
• Be Persistent: If a coach does not reply right away, follow up politely after a few weeks.

8. Ignoring the “Fit” Factor

Sometimes athletes focus only on getting a scholarship and ignore whether the school is the right fit overall.

Why It Hurts You

Even if you earn a roster spot, choosing a program that does not align with your goals or personality can lead to frustration or early transfers.

How to Avoid It

• Evaluate the Culture: Talk to current players about their experience.
• Consider Academics: Make sure the school offers majors you are interested in.
• Think Long-Term: Choose a program where you can grow both as an athlete and a student.

9. Not Understanding NCAA Rules

Misunderstanding recruiting calendars, eligibility requirements, or communication rules can create unnecessary setbacks.

Why It Hurts You

Violating contact rules can cause coaches to stop recruiting you or delay communication.

How to Avoid It

• Stay Informed: Check the NCAA recruiting calendar for your sport each year.
• Work with a Trusted Advisor: Use resources like ASM Sports to stay compliant and organized.

Final Thoughts

College recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint. The athletes who succeed are the ones who stay organized, communicate clearly, and take initiative early. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you stand out from thousands of other athletes competing for the same opportunities.

At ASM Sports, we help student-athletes build strong recruiting profiles, connect directly with college coaches, and make confident decisions about their future. If you are serious about playing at the next level, start today, because every message, highlight video, and visit brings you one step closer to your goal.