How Young Athletes Can Navigate College Recruitment

College sports recruitment can be a confusing and unpredictable journey. Many young athletes and their families struggle to understand the process, which often feels chaotic and inefficient. Coaches have their own ways of evaluating talent, and not all offers are created equal. One big challenge is that recruitment can change quickly. Coaches may leave, and new ones might bring in their own players. This means athletes need to be proactive and secure their spot by getting something in writing. It's also important to be realistic about your chances and understand the metrics coaches look for. There are services that claim to help athletes get noticed, but many of these can be expensive and not always trustworthy. Some parents pay a lot of money for these services, but it's often better to rely on verified metrics and honest evaluations from coaches. One new tool called Scorability aims to make the process easier. It's a free database where athletes can store their transcripts, athletic stats, and videos. Coaches can access this information to find players who fit their team's needs. Scorability also includes evaluations from coaches and parents, which can give a more complete picture of an athlete. Playing college sports is a big commitment. Coaches want to know if you're willing to put in the time and effort required. They look for athletes who are not only talented but also coachable and good teammates. Being honest about your strengths and weaknesses can help coaches see if you're a good fit for their program.