AS A PARENT, HOW CAN I HELP?

Being a parent is a challenging journey. You do the best you can with what you have each day. I speak on this subject -not as a parent in this instance of student athletes- but, as a former student-athlete who grew up in a phenomenal house hold that could have used some sound advice on playing baseball at the next level. The following is some advice on how to guide, communicate, and assist your student-athlete toward their goals - academically, athletically, and socially - during their collegiate search.

Guidance - Every school sends out prospect camp invites to 1000’s of student athletes each year. These can be phenomenal; they can also be very unproductive. Contact schools that your resume matches. (more below)

Communicate - The quickest way to get yourself in an unfavorable position is how a student athlete present themself. Poor text, email, or phone call etiquette. “Bro, what’s up, hey man” - the best get the benefit of the doubt. Fringe guys get a see you later - Maturity matters.

Best advice-

1. Identify 4-5 realistic schools that have academic, athletic, and social fits for your student athlete is step 1.

How do I find realistic schools? Do your metrics/resume match that level of competition. Highlight those things-

6’2 - 195 ✅ -physicality (example, not end all)

Plus runner (6.7-6.8) ✅

Plus defender - .960-.975+ defender ✅

Plus Arm (87+) or command (+K/BB ratio), etc.

Note: If D1/D2 schools are not communicating summer/fall of SR year. JUCO is outstanding option. Develop/Play/Learn game/BSB IQ, financially, etc.

1. ATTEND CAMPS/ASK QUESTIONS

   - Chance to see campus, community, facilities, etc.

   - Opportunity to communicate with coaches, hear philosophy, learn more about program values, and see structure/organization. (Bodes well for future structure).

2. FIND ACADEMIC/SOCIAL FIT.

Would you attend this school if you weren’t playing baseball? Is this somewhere you could wake up everyday, excited, for the next 2-4 years? Does it have a quality program that supports your major/career goals?

1. Travel programs, recruiting services, etc.

There are phenomenal programs out there. There are also programs that are money grabs. Relationships matter - enough said. Find the successful programs in your area. Success = Relationships, enjoyment, baseball development, process oriented, etc. Often times the best programs have players shouting them out years after they played there. IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS, not just a summer team.

Find coaches that spend time training, developing, COMMUNICATING about the game, etc. Not teams that only play 1-2 games on the weekend. (Some do both) It’s important to have a relationship with those coaches. They can shoot you straight on the level they see them at, what they need to develop, etc. some great recruiting services out there as well but some just look at video and HS stats and never meet the player. WE KNOW THAT. Find a coach that will INVEST in the player AND their development.

Conclusion-

We all want what’s best for our children. We want to do everything in our power to provide opportunities and guidance. In the recruiting world, encourage your student-athlete to find their voice. Send clear, concise emails/texts, have a plan and questions for a phone call. It’s hard to know what exactly you are looking for as a student-athlete. You’ve never been there before and those calls are nerve racking. Assist them with the preparation. I’m looking for XYZ academically (Academic support, specific major,etc) - I’m looking for information on XYZ athletically (culture, development, S&C, etc) - I’m looking for XYZ socially (college town, facilities, location, etc)

Parents - Don’t make the call. Encourage the student athlete to do so. Don’t send the email. Encourage the student athlete to do so.

Keep loving, encouraging, and helping them prepare!