by: Bob Howdeshell
High School Baseball Web
Sometimes it is necessary for a player and his family to
take control of the information distribution process
Let's face it, sometimes high school coaches fall down on the job.
When this happens, someone has to fill the void. Often, it's a
parent or other school official. Unfortunately, college coaches
prefer not to talk to parents of athletes because of an obvious bias.
When this becomes necessary, therefore, consider the following
suggestions:
Seek out opposing coaches who might be able to send letters and
make phone calls. They won't want to devote long hours to helping a
player from another school with the recruiting process, but you will
be surprised at their willingness to provide a helping hand.
Develop skill tapes and secure game tapes from the school to forward
to college coaches. One look at superior performance on a tape can
dispel any suspected bias.
Be sure to have your son write a letter to college coaches expressing
his interest in playing in college. This letter can also include
reference to honors and statistics. Make sure the letter from the
student athlete includes his resume, which should mention height
and weight, speed, strength (if appropriate), GPA, class rank, SAT
or ACT test scores, educational and career goals, athletic and
academic honors received, name of high school coach and guidance
counselor, social security number, graduation date, and address
and phone number. (see sample letter and resume on the recruiting
page)
The letter should also include a personal statement explaining why
the student athlete wants to compete on the college level, and it
should reveal as much as possible about the character and uniqueness
of the athlete.
The ideal letter enables the college coach to feel that he actually
knows the player and wants to meet him.
