This year over 40% of clubs moved up their tryout dates to the summer before the high school season begins to allow for more time to finalize tournament schedules, order uniforms, book travel and have plans in place in order to focus more on other early season tasks. Add in the fact that the recruiting process was on hold for 14 months, and it’s no wonder that Recruiting Coordinators, Prospective Student Athletes and College Coaches are busier than ever.
College visits at an all time high
The COVID year that began in March 2020 put a halt on in person college visits. Many student athletes committed without seeing the campus or meeting the coaching staff and team in person. The 2022 prospective student athletes that waited or had offers removed are still taking visits into their senior year of high school. In addition, the rise in COVID-19 delta variant cases is brings the concern that there may another dead period or cause the colleges to prohibit campus tours and visits. Therefore, 2022 and 2023 prospective student athletes are trying to set up visits while they can instead of putting them off until after high school season. Whether it’s an unofficial or an official visit, club Recruiting Coordinators are encouraging their athletes to take advantage of their time rather than wait until it’s too late.
Both 2022s and 2023s are in a different path than years before due to COVID. Recruiting Coordinators can assist the athletes by encouraging them to plan ahead and find opportunities to get on campus or schedule virtual tours. Many student athletes don’t have every weekend open or they play three times in a week, so try to schedule a day or half a day visit.
