“I was playing decent before I was talking to coaches. And when I started talking to them my scores went higher. I feel really stressed.” – Junior Golfer

In many ways, this is almost inevitable. No matter when you start the process, there is almost always going to be a shift in your mentality and expectations. Even if you have big goals of playing college golf at an early age, it’s difficult to avoid the added stress and pressure that the actual recruiting process can place on you. It is meant to be a learning, challenging, uncomfortable process that helps you decide a big piece of your future.

For some recruits, the stress isn’t seen as much in their actual games bc they were able to get over stages of development prior to the process starting for them. For them, the stress may come more in the actual decision-making of what is the better option for them and their future.

For other recruits who are still in both physically and mentally developing stages of their games, starting the process can really set back their progress for a while. They aren’t going to handle the added expectation and stress that the process can bring on when it comes time to play tournaments.

It’s a different type of stress for different players, but I promise you that ALL recruits go through it one way or another. Some handle it better than others and can get back to playing golf in a better mindset, others really struggle with the added expectations and attention the process places on them and their games.

Many times the setback and struggle is an indication of the level of college golf that will fit you best at the stage in your life that you will be at when you get there. But if you work through it, then it can also be an important period of growth and development that will more prepare you for college golf.

Remind yourself, that it is human nature as a female teenager to experience these feelings and emotions. Your brain is literally still developing and your hormones are out of your control in many ways. Be aware and work on ways to do better, but don’t constantly beat yourself up about it.

Having a mental coach or mentor through the process can be extremely beneficial for many girls to help them sort through the emotional ups and downs.

For more information on the college recruiting process, you can contact RecruitPKB Consultant Brandi Jackson at bjackson@pkbgt.org