This is part 4 of a series based on a survey sent out to 50+ college coaches at all division levels. This is great feedback from college coaches on what mistakes they see happen most often during the recruiting process.

What mistake do you see most often happen throughout the recruiting process?

“The parents and the students think their daughter is better than she is and continually makes excuses about high scores. Also, the parents and students make decisions on how much scholarship is offered vs the right fit and where the student will be happy and improve.” – D1 Coach

“Parents talking to the coaches at tournaments when coaches cannot talk back. Remember we cannot talk to a parent until July 1st before the senior year.” – D1 Coach

“Choosing a college based largely on social life and/or a significant other. The lore of big time Division I and/or facilities. A grand facility will not make you a better player; it may give you the opportunity to become a good player but it really lies within each individual despite the facility.” –D2 Coach

“Most families do not do their homework to know how good a team is or is not. Ex: A team maybe good at football but is not in golf.”- D1 Coach

“Early commitments. Not playing enough national events, and general recruiting form letters sent with the wrong coach’s name or school or mascot.”- D1 Coach

“One of my biggest turn offs to a recruit is a badly written e-mail or resume. Once you get to a visit, coaches want the juniors to do most of the talking…we are trying to determine if we mesh with the player, not the parents.” – D3 Coach

“That players don’t see the whole picture of how a program is run or how the coach handles his team or his style of coaching. Some coaches think they are the next swing guru and try to change players. That’s why there are so many transfers. Do a good job of reading the character and integrity of the coach and what he coaches like.” – D2 Coach

“Not enough face to face communication. There is no substitute for that.” – D1 Coach

“Make sure the recruit responds promptly to the coach if they trying to contact you. I’ve had players put me on the back burner and I lost interest.” – D2 Coach

“Waiting too late to begin the process and expecting the coach to make the first contact. If you’re interested, let coaches know as soon as possible.” – D1 Coach

“Too late. Reach out too coaches by calling earlier” – DI Coach

“Kids don’t do enough research on more than one or 2 schools and then they end up unhappy.” – D1 Coach

“I feel like kids put too much emphasis on simply their scores, and although they are important, it is also great to see how a kid handles themselves through the ups and downs. We are always doing our homework in the recruiting process, so chances are that we will know a lot about the kid.”- D1 Coach

“Expectations of getting a huge $$$ scholarship.”- D1 Coach

“Players (especially girls) thinking there is more scholarship money than there really is available.” – D2 Coach