Most families focus on stats and exposure — but college coaches dig much deeper. When they’re considering your athlete, they don’t just watch film. They call high school coaches, AAU coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, and even community members. They’re looking for the truth about your player’s character, work ethic, and attitude when no one’s watching.
Coaches Ask Around
Before offering a scholarship or roster spot, recruiters want a full picture. They’ll ask: Does this player show up early? How do they handle adversity? Are they coachable? Do they treat staff and teammates with respect? These conversations can carry as much weight as a highlight reel.
Our Real-Life Example
When my oldest son was being recruited, his current college coach told us he didn’t stop at highlight tapes. He reached out to staff at my son’s previous school — not just coaches but academic and support staff — to confirm his work ethic, character, and consistency. Hearing that drove home how serious programs are about the “whole athlete” and how much weight those behind-the-scenes references carry.
Character = Risk Management
A talented player with poor habits can become a liability. A slightly less talented but highly coachable player can be a coach’s dream. That’s why college programs lean heavily on trusted sources to validate what they see on film.
Parents Play a Role
Support your athlete by reinforcing good habits — punctuality, accountability, sportsmanship, and respect. Encourage them to build positive relationships with teachers, coaches, and mentors. Remind them every interaction could be part of their recruiting profile.
Start Early
Building a reputation for character and work ethic starts long before recruiting calls. When a coach asks about your athlete, you want them to hear, “Great kid. Hard worker. Total team player.” That can be the deciding factor between two players with similar talent.
Recruiting isn’t just about what happens on the court; it’s about the full person behind the jersey. For a full roadmap on how to support your athlete’s journey and help them stand out to coaches, check out my Bench to Breakthrough Playbook — it’s built on the same lessons that guided my sons from overlooked to undeniable.