Athlete Resource Center

How to Get Recruited

Getting recruited doesn't happen by accident. It takes preparation, consistency, and effort long before your senior year.

Start Early

Most college coaches begin evaluating athletes well before graduation. Don't wait until your senior season to start building your profile.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

• Develop athletic skills

• Maintain strong grades

• Attend camps and showcases

• Begin collecting quality game footage

Junior Year

• Build your highlight video

• Contact college coaches

• Visit campuses

• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if applicable

Senior Year

• Continue communicating with coaches

• Update highlight videos

• Visit schools

• Complete applications

Keep Your Grades Up

Athletic ability can get a coach's attention, but academics often determine whether they can offer you a roster spot or scholarship.

Focus on:

• GPA

• SAT/ACT (when required)

• Class attendance

• Character

Communicate Professionally

When contacting coaches:

Include:

• Name

• Graduation Year

• Height and Weight

• Position

• GPA

• Athletic accomplishments

• Highlight video

• Contact information

Always use proper grammar and be respectful.

Best Recruiting Photos

Your recruiting photos are often the first impression coaches receive.

Professional images immediately communicate that you take your athletic career seriously.

Individual Portraits

Every athlete should have:

• Uniform portrait

• Action pose

• Full body image

• Close-up headshot

• Vertical and horizontal versions

Action Photos

Game action tells your story.

Great recruiting photos show:

• Peak athletic performance

• Emotion

• Intensity

• Leadership

• Celebration

• Focus

Avoid blurry cell phone pictures whenever possible.

Team Photos

College coaches also like seeing athletes as part of a team.

Include:

• Team picture

• Captain photos

• Leadership moments

• Awards

• Championship celebrations

Media Day Photos

Professional media day sessions provide:

• Smoke effects

• Dramatic lighting

• Studio-quality portraits

• Social media graphics

• Posters

• Recruiting graphics

Social Media Tips for Athletes

College coaches absolutely look at social media.

Everything you post represents your personal brand.

Think Before You Post

Ask yourself:

Would I want my future coach to see this?

If the answer is no, don't post it.

Keep It Positive

Share:

• Game highlights

• Team accomplishments

• Volunteer work

• Academic achievements

• Training

• Community involvement

Avoid:

• Negative comments

• Trash talking

• Offensive language

• Illegal activities

• Drama

Be Consistent

Post regularly during your season.

Ideas:

• Game photos

• Practice videos

• Workout clips

• Team events

• Awards

• Academic success

Tag Correctly

Tag:

• Team

• School

• Coaches

• Photographers

• Recruiting services

This increases visibility.

Building Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is your reputation.

It answers one question:

"What do people think when they hear your name?"

A strong athlete brand includes:

• Leadership

• Respect

• Hard work

• Teamwork

• Accountability

• Sportsmanship

Your Brand Includes

Photos

Professional images create confidence.

Videos

Highlight videos showcase ability.

Social Media

Consistent, positive content builds credibility.

Community

Volunteer work matters.

Academics

Strong grades demonstrate discipline.

Be Authentic

Don't try to become someone else.

College coaches appreciate athletes who are genuine, respectful, and coachable.

NIL for High School Athletes

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities continue to evolve across the country. The rules for high school athletes vary significantly by state, athletic association, and school district.

What is NIL?

NIL allows athletes to potentially earn compensation through the commercial use of their:

• Name

• Image

• Likeness

Examples include:

• Social media promotions

• Brand partnerships

• Sponsored appearances

• Merchandise

• Camps and clinics

Know Your State Rules

Before accepting any NIL opportunity:

• Review your state's athletic association rules.

• Understand your school district's policies.

• Discuss opportunities with your parents or guardians.

• Consult a qualified advisor if needed.

Rules change over time, and what is allowed in one state may not be permitted in another.

Build Your Brand Before Opportunities Arrive

Successful NIL opportunities usually come to athletes who have already built a strong reputation.

Focus on:

• Professional photography

• High-quality videos

• Positive social media

• Community involvement

• Consistent performance

• Good sportsmanship

How to Get College Coaches to Notice You

Getting noticed requires more than having talent.

Create a Highlight Video

Keep it:

• 3 to 5 minutes

• High quality

• Easy to watch

• Focused on your best plays first

Include:

• Name

• Graduation year

• Position

• Height

• Weight

• GPA

• Contact information

Attend Camps

College camps allow coaches to evaluate athletes in person.

Attend camps where schools you're interested in will be present.

Contact Coaches

Don't wait for coaches to find you.

Reach out with:

• Introduction email

• Highlight video

• Schedule

• Academic information

Follow up professionally.

Play Against Good Competition

Strong competition helps coaches evaluate your ability.

Build Relationships

Recruiting is about trust.

Respect coaches.

Communicate honestly.

Respond promptly.

Show character.

Continue Improving

Never stop working.

College coaches value athletes who consistently improve throughout high school.

Why Professional Media Matters

Professional photography and video help athletes stand out in an increasingly competitive recruiting environment.

At CWP Media Group Texas, we create high-quality recruiting content designed to showcase athletes at their very best. From dynamic action photography and professional media day portraits to highlight videos and social media graphics, our goal is to help student-athletes present themselves with confidence.

Whether you're just beginning your recruiting journey or preparing for your senior season, investing in professional media can make a lasting first impression.