ATTENDING CAMPS AND SHOWCASES: IMPORTANCE
“If you are standing still, you are going to get run over.” – Mike Babcock
Attending school camps and showcases is a great way to show a college coach that you have a serious interest in their school and athletic program. No matter how far we advance as a technological society, getting in front of someone face to face and making a good, first impression is never going to go away.
Here are some great reasons why getting out there is so important.
SEE YOUR COMPETITION COMPETE
It is always good to know what you are up against. Almost all camps and showcases feature position-specific segments. This is a great way to see what types of athletes each college coach is specifically interested in.
They caught the eye of the coach: What do those athletes do really well? How do you match up against them? Remember that not every school is a great fit for every student-athlete. Knowing early that you may or may not be a good fit for a particular school can save a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.
Plenty of fish in the sea!
DEMONSTRATED INTEREST
All college coaches say the same thing: The student-athlete must show effort and interest in their school and athletic program. One of the best ways to show that demonstrated interest is to take the initiative and attend camps and showcases where the college coach will be or to attend an event on the school’s campus. You are showing that the school and athletic program mean enough to you that you are willing to go out of your way to meet their coaches and learn more.
FACE TO FACE IMPRESSION
The majority of the communication in the recruiting process takes place either electronically or on the phone. Getting in front of a coach where both of you can put a face to a name is a great way to make a strong impression. Showing common courtesy with body language, being attentive and listening to what they have to say and letting them know why you like their school or want to learn more about it, are great ways to have a coach walk away from the event thinking you may be a good fit for their program.
EXPERIENCE COACHING STYLES FIRST-HAND
One of the overlooked benefits to attending camps and showcases is getting to experience how those coaches actually coach. Sometimes a coach may have a very different demeanor on and off the playing surface. Before making a final decision, it is good to see how the coach interacts with the players working underneath them. That could be YOU for four important years of your life, so it is always important to make sure the coaching style matches with what you want from your college experience.
HEAR THE SAME TECHNIQUES FROM NEW VOICES
Another great and probably overlooked benefit to attending events is that you will hear terms and techniques in a new voice. Most positions, regardless of which sport, can be boiled down at its core to a short list of incredibly important fundamentals. When you hear those fundamentals described in new ways, or see them demonstrated in new ways, it will help you galvanize in your mind just how important and essential those core fundamentals truly are.
OPEN UP YOUR VISIBILITY
Until we are faced with making the decision on a final destination, it is good to frame it in your mind that every school is “tied” as your top choice.
Each school and athletic program certainly has their own strengths and areas of opportunity. Getting to camps and showcases, meeting new coaches and learning about their schools and what they can offer you and your family, is a great, additional way to increase your options and open your eyes to different experiences.
HAVE FUN, BE A GOOD AMBASSADOR, AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
