How to Know if You're Being Recruited
Not all coach contact means you're being actively recruited. Understanding the difference between genuine recruiting interest and general outreach can help you focus your efforts on realistic opportunities.
Strong Signs You're Being Recruited
Personalized Communication
What it looks like:
- Coach mentions specific details about your performance
- References games they've watched you play
- Discusses how you'd fit into their system
- Asks specific questions about your goals and interests
Example: "I watched your game against Central High and was impressed with your court vision on that assist in the third quarter."
Consistent Contact
What it looks like:
- Regular phone calls or texts (within NCAA rules)
- Coach initiates most of the communication
- Follow-up questions about your answers
- Consistent communication over weeks/months
Red flag: If you're always the one initiating contact, interest may be minimal.
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What it looks like:
- Specific information about playing time opportunities
- Discussion of their recruiting timeline
- Details about the program's academic offerings
- Information about campus life and team culture
Campus Visit Invitations
Strong indicators:
- Official visit invitation (paid by the school)
- Unofficial visit encouragement with specific dates
- Meeting arranged with academic advisors
- Introduction planned to current players
Academic Discussion
What it looks like:
- Questions about your GPA and test scores
- Discussion of academic requirements and support
- Information about your intended major
- Talk about academic scholarships or aid
Moderate Signs of Interest
Generic but Regular Contact
- Form letters that are personalized with your name
- Regular updates about the program
- Invitations to camps (not always recruiting-focused)
- Social media follows and interactions
Conditional Interest
Phrases that indicate moderate interest:
- "We'd like to see more of you play"
- "Keep us updated on your season"
- "You're on our radar"
- "We'll continue to monitor your progress"
Event Attendance
- Coach attends games where you're playing
- Presence at showcases or tournaments you attend
- But remember: coaches scout multiple players at events
Weak Signs (Possibly Not Real Recruiting)
Mass Marketing
Red flags:
- Generic emails sent to hundreds of athletes
- Form letters with minimal personalization
- Automated camp invitations
- General recruiting questionnaires
Vague Communication
What it sounds like:
- "We're interested in learning more about you"
- "You have potential to play at our level"
- "Fill out our recruiting form"
- "We'll keep you on our list"
Pay-to-Play Opportunities
Warning signs:
- Camp invitations that cost significant money
- "Evaluation" opportunities that require payment
- Promises tied to attending expensive showcases
- Any request for money for "recruiting services"
Questions to Ask Yourself
About Coach Communication
- How often do they contact me? (Weekly vs. monthly vs. rarely)
- Who initiates contact? (Them vs. you)
- How detailed are their messages? (Specific vs. generic)
- Do they ask follow-up questions? (Engaged vs. one-way)
About Your Fit
- Do they mention where I'd play? (Position, role, playing time)
- Have they seen me compete? (In person or on video)
- Do they discuss my development needs? (Honest assessment)
- How do I compare to their current players? (Realistic evaluation)
About Their Program
- Do they share specific details? (System, culture, expectations)
- Have they offered visits? (Official, unofficial, or neither)
- Do they discuss timeline? (When they need decisions)
- Are they recruiting other players at my position? (Competition level)
Division-Level Indicators
Division I Signs
- Early contact (when rules allow)
- Specific scholarship discussions
- Multiple coach involvement (head coach + assistants)
- Detailed academic requirements review
Division II Signs
- More flexible timeline than D1
- Partial scholarship discussions
- Regional focus on recruiting
- Balance of academics and athletics discussion
Division III Signs
- Academic merit discussions (no athletic scholarships)
- Campus culture emphasis
- Career preparation focus
- Academic aid conversations
NAIA Signs
- Character and fit emphasis
- Flexible academic requirements
- Personal attention from coaches
- Community-focused recruiting
How to Gauge Your Position
Ask Direct Questions
To coaches:
- "Where do I stand in your recruiting for my position?"
- "What's your timeline for making recruiting decisions?"
- "What would I need to improve to earn a spot?"
- "How many players are you recruiting at my position?"
Evaluate Honestly
About yourself:
- How do you compare to their current roster?
- Are your academics up to their standards?
- Do you fit their playing style and system?
- Can you contribute at their competition level?
Red Flags to Watch For
From Coaches
- Promises that seem too good to be true
- Pressure to commit immediately
- Requests for money or "recruiting fees"
- Avoiding direct answers about your status
- Only contacting you through parents
From Recruiting Services
- Guarantees of college scholarships
- High fees for "guaranteed exposure"
- Claims of special relationships with coaches
- Pressure to sign expensive contracts
What to Do Based on Interest Level
High Interest (Strong recruiting signs)
- Prioritize these programs in your time and effort
- Visit campuses when possible
- Maintain consistent communication
- Keep coaches updated on your progress
Moderate Interest (Keep working)
- Continue building the relationship
- Send regular updates and highlight videos
- Attend their camps if financially feasible
- Ask specific questions about their interest level
Low Interest (Broaden your search)
- Don't spend excessive time on these programs
- Keep them informed but don't prioritize them
- Focus energy on more promising opportunities
- Expand your target list to more realistic options
Building on Real Interest
When you identify genuine recruiting interest:
Respond Appropriately
- Be enthusiastic but not desperate
- Ask thoughtful questions about the program
- Share relevant updates about your progress
- Show genuine interest in their school and program
Stay Realistic
- Keep multiple options open
- Continue developing your skills
- Maintain academic performance
- Don't put all eggs in one basket
Remember: Real recruiting involves mutual interest, specific discussions about fit, and consistent communication over time. Trust your instincts, ask direct questions, and focus your energy on programs showing genuine interest in you as both an athlete and a student.