8 things to do when meeting a College Coach (Sponsored by NSR)

The following article is sponsored by National Scouting Report. Visit NSR’s web site at http://www.nsr-inc.com/

8 THINGS TO DO WHEN MEETING A COLLEGE COACH

As the Southeastern PA Director of College Scouting for National Scouting Report, I constantly encourage high school athletes to build relationships with college coaches.

There are a number of ways I instruct prospects to initiate contact and remain in touch with college coaches, although coaches are severely limited to when and how they can make contact with prospects. Staying within the recruiting rules is the responsibility of the prospects, so knowing the rules is essential.

When meeting college coaches, prospects must create a positive impression and make them want to continue the relationship. Because coaches meet hundreds of prospects each year, learning how to make a lasting impression is essential.

Here are eight things to do when meeting a college coach (the first time and every time):

1. Smile.

2. Make and maintain eye contact.

3. Use a firm handshake.

4. Ask the coach how he or she is doing that day and listen to the answer.

5. Listen intently.

6. Tell the coach you appreciate him or her talking to you.

7. Hand the coach your athletic resume and say: "All my grades, stats and contact information are here." (First time only.)

8. Make eye contact again and use a firm handshake when saying goodbye.

Practice these things with your parents or friends. Your ability to do them could mean the difference between a college coach choosing to recruit you or moving on to the next prospect with equal ability who makes a more indelible impression.

National Scouting Report, the world’s oldest and largest college recruiting organization, has received hundreds of requests from college coaches seeking 2017-20 prospects on all levels. More than 95 percent of NSR’s qualified prospects receive scholarship offers. For more information, contact NSR Area Director Gary Silvers, former Executive Sports Editor of the Bucks County Courier Times, at (215) 480-8764 or gsilvers@nsr-inc.com.