We all know that college coaches work really hard on recruiting. I firmly believe that the vast majority of college coaches are honest and straightforward people who paint a very realistic picture of what their program is all about.
Yes, you occasionally hear horror stories of coaches who flat out mislead or lie to recruits and their families but I do think those are in the minority.
Even the most honest of coaches are going to shine the best light they possibly can on their program. Why is that an important point for recruits to understand? There are few things that most coaches don’t say during the recruiting process that all players should really know going in.
- I am not your friend. Yes, I have you best interest at heart, but I will make decisions that are in the best interest of the team. I will do everything I can to support you but you are going to be held accountable.
- It’s time to grow up. Everything you do is evaluated. Be on time! Work hard! Take care of your academics. There is no one here to pick up the pieces for you. You are responsible.
- I care more about what you will do than what you have done in the past. Nothing you did before getting on campus really matters. Your accomplishments made me recruit you but your work and performance from now on will determine if you play or not.
- Never embarrass the team, school, coaches or your teammates. If you act the fool you will lose my trust and the trust of you team. If you “act the fool” enough, I will take away your scholarship and dismiss you from the team. Keep your eye on the prize.
- Remember it’s an honor to be a college softball player.
Players who get to the college level should be very proud of the accomplishment. They’ll be a whole lot happier if they keep these things in mind as they walk onto campus and into their first practice. The super nice person who recruited you is still your coach, but your relationship with them has changed. Adapt!
