Recruiting Question of the Week
Recruiting Question of the Week
Each week we take a question from a softball player, parent or coach and pass on to our long-time contributor, Cathi Aradi, one of the most knowledgeable people in softball when it comes to the recruiting process. If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-
Each week we take a question from a softball player, parent or coach and pass on to our long-time contributor, Cathi Aradi, one of the most knowledgeable people in softball when it comes to the recruiting process.
If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.
Today, Cathi talks about how to build a "recruiting resume" and get it in front of college coaches…
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Recruiting Question: I’m putting together a profile sheet which I’ll also put online. What do you think are the key things that coaches would look for? I’m talking everything from photos, video links, academics, softball teams and accomplishment, etc. It’s like a resume and I’m not sure what to include to help promote myself! --- Allison, Raleigh, N.C.
Cathi’s Answer: Allison, I suggest you get a copy of my book because it has a sample resume (and letter of introduction) that will provide coaches with the important info they need.
Keep in mind, however, if you're planning on just emailing 20 or 30 coaches and hoping to get recruited after they visit your website, you may find this to be a somewhat frustrating process.
Some coaches do religiously read the emails they get and respond to them--a lot depends on the type of school you're emailing. But many more coaches tell me constantly that they are inundated with emails, and too often these communications go right to the recycle bin.
I suggest you create either a concise postcard or--following the guidelines in my book--a letter of introduction, then snail mail the coaches you're contacting and include a link there to your web page profile.
** Here's an interesting anecdote. One of my clients told me that when she went asked for an unofficial visit to a Div. I college she'd written (snail mail packet), the coach was happy to give her family a tour and spend some time with them because she remembered the young lady from her snail mail letter. The coach told the family she got tons of email, but that very few players take the time to write snail mail letters and this really impressed her!
Another thing that's important to keep in mind is this: many coaches, particularly at bigger programs, hear from hundreds of players. They have neither the time, nor the interest, in surfing the web and spending a long time reading through a large website.
Photos are great for you and your friends, but aren't really that important to a college coach. Your video is, of course, as well as your experience, academic regimen/record, pending travel schedule, and so on, so do include those.
Note: If you're posting it for anyone to see, omit a home address and just include your email and cell phone number. Hope this helps!
— Cathi Aradi
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catharine Aradi is the author of Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc. (www.nfca.org). She has over 20 years of experience working as a recruiting consultant with athletes and colleges around the U.S and Canada.
If you would like knowledgeable, one-on-one guidance through the often bewildering labyrinth of recruiting, Ms. Aradi’s company, Collegiate Softball Connection, offers “concierge” recruiting services. Unlike corporate websites that rely upon mass marketing of hundreds and hundreds of athletes, Ms. Aradi works with the individual player and her family to ensure a successful college search.
She works individually with athletes to guide them through the recruiting journey and also offers Skype workshops on the college search process for groups of all sizes.
Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com or by calling 415-456-6449. Remember: if you use the code “fullcountsoftball” when signing up with CSC, you will be entitled to a $100 discount off her Fast Track or Elite options!
Follow Us on Twitter @FloSoftball.
If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.
Today, Cathi talks about how to build a "recruiting resume" and get it in front of college coaches…
***
Recruiting Question: I’m putting together a profile sheet which I’ll also put online. What do you think are the key things that coaches would look for? I’m talking everything from photos, video links, academics, softball teams and accomplishment, etc. It’s like a resume and I’m not sure what to include to help promote myself! --- Allison, Raleigh, N.C.
Cathi’s Answer: Allison, I suggest you get a copy of my book because it has a sample resume (and letter of introduction) that will provide coaches with the important info they need.
Keep in mind, however, if you're planning on just emailing 20 or 30 coaches and hoping to get recruited after they visit your website, you may find this to be a somewhat frustrating process.
Some coaches do religiously read the emails they get and respond to them--a lot depends on the type of school you're emailing. But many more coaches tell me constantly that they are inundated with emails, and too often these communications go right to the recycle bin.
I suggest you create either a concise postcard or--following the guidelines in my book--a letter of introduction, then snail mail the coaches you're contacting and include a link there to your web page profile.
** Here's an interesting anecdote. One of my clients told me that when she went asked for an unofficial visit to a Div. I college she'd written (snail mail packet), the coach was happy to give her family a tour and spend some time with them because she remembered the young lady from her snail mail letter. The coach told the family she got tons of email, but that very few players take the time to write snail mail letters and this really impressed her!
Another thing that's important to keep in mind is this: many coaches, particularly at bigger programs, hear from hundreds of players. They have neither the time, nor the interest, in surfing the web and spending a long time reading through a large website.
Photos are great for you and your friends, but aren't really that important to a college coach. Your video is, of course, as well as your experience, academic regimen/record, pending travel schedule, and so on, so do include those.
Note: If you're posting it for anyone to see, omit a home address and just include your email and cell phone number. Hope this helps!
— Cathi Aradi
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catharine Aradi is the author of Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc. (www.nfca.org). She has over 20 years of experience working as a recruiting consultant with athletes and colleges around the U.S and Canada.
If you would like knowledgeable, one-on-one guidance through the often bewildering labyrinth of recruiting, Ms. Aradi’s company, Collegiate Softball Connection, offers “concierge” recruiting services. Unlike corporate websites that rely upon mass marketing of hundreds and hundreds of athletes, Ms. Aradi works with the individual player and her family to ensure a successful college search.
She works individually with athletes to guide them through the recruiting journey and also offers Skype workshops on the college search process for groups of all sizes.
Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com or by calling 415-456-6449. Remember: if you use the code “fullcountsoftball” when signing up with CSC, you will be entitled to a $100 discount off her Fast Track or Elite options!
Follow Us on Twitter @FloSoftball.