žžžThis week’s Recruit PKB: Recruiting Process article from the series “Parent Role in the College Recruiting Process” will cover a parent’s influence on a coach’s decision. How a parent talks, reacts and interacts with their daughter, the coach and other competitors and parents can have a major impact on a coach’s decision. Ultimately the coach is recruiting the player but parent behavior can force a coach to lean one direction or the other if they are on the fence. Below are a few tips for parents to be aware of throughout the process.
  1. žAlways stay positive: Do what you can to always stay positive and keep a good attitude, even if your daughter is playing bad. Any negativity will not only affect how she plays and responds, but may also deter a coach from recruiting your daughter. They need parents who will be supportive no matter how bad the round may have been. I know it’s tough to keep a smile on your face and be positive after bad rounds, even as parents, but this can go a long way in the process. During the round keep a good attitude, coaches will watch how you react! Then be there to give your daughter a hug or pat on the back no matter how bad she played.
  2. žNever get upset with your junior golfer because of a bad round: Make sure you never get upset with your daughter after a bad round. The last thing they need as a player is someone else being disappointed with them, especially right after the round, I promise they are already upset with themselves enough as it is. If a coach sees this happen it may put up red flags that they will have to deal with this after rounds in college as well. If a player gets a bad attitude on the course, gives up during the round or misbehaves in any way on the course then it’s certainly grounds for being upset as a parent. Just don’t get upset with them if they are doing what they can to put forth their best effort.
  3. žAlways encourage and applaud the other players in the group: How you react and treat the other players and parents in the group can influence a coach’s decision as well. You don’t have to be the group cheerleader, but make sure you are giving the respect and attention the other player’s deserve. Clap for their good shots and be encouraging when you can.

 

“I watch parents as much as recruits to see how they interact and treat each other. I also watch to see how involved they are going to be in everything the recruit is doing, don’t need a parent telling me how to coach their son or daughter.” – Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Coach

 

For more information about the college recruiting process please email Recruit PKB College Consultant at bjackson@pkbgt.org.