Sections
There’s no denying the impact of social media on the college recruiting process. While some cautionary tales exist about recruits being dropped due to their conduct online, more athletes are using social media to their advantage. Twitter, in particular, has become a platform of choice for both coaches and athletes, providing valuable exposure and direct access. In a recent article, long snapper Adam Bay shared his experience with Twitter and recruiting: “I thought it was going to be emails and texting, but 95 percent of it was through Twitter and keeping my profile clean for the coaches to see. I followed about 1,000 coaches and DM’d about half of them.”
Using DMs (direct messages) to communicate with coaches can be an effective approach, but it requires strategic thinking. Here are some guidelines to help you leverage DMs and maximize your recruitment opportunities:
Guides for Direct Messaging coaches and staff
Before you start sending direct messages, it’s crucial to understand that coaches and staff are observing your social media activity. They may even check out your friends’ profiles. To make a positive impression, follow the colleges you are interested in and gain a better understanding of their program and coaching style. Some coaches may even follow you back, which is a positive sign. Remember, though, there are rules regarding when and how coaches can contact you. As a student-athlete, you can DM a coach anytime, but their response may be subject to certain time constraints.
A Direct Message is one-to-one communication
Although social media tends to be fast-paced, simply pasting a link to your recruiting profile in a DM won’t cut it. Treat your direct messages with care and thoughtfulness, just as you would with email communication. It’s essential to ask specific questions about the school, coach, or program to demonstrate your genuine interest and research.
Humility is your best friend. Arrogance is your worst enemy.
While it’s natural to have some swagger on your social media feed, a DM is not the place for it. Show kindness, humility, and respect. If you receive a DM from a coach, respond promptly and express your appreciation for their time and attention. Avoid using vulgar or profane language, even in acronym form. Your DMs should reflect both your athletic skills and your maturity.
Avoid the one thing coaches hate most
In your initial DM to a coach, avoid asking for a scholarship offer. Whether it was letters, emails, or now DMs, it has never been appropriate. Give the recruitment conversation time to develop, and one day, you may receive a DM with a scholarship offer. There is a time and place for discussing scholarships, but it should align with the natural progression of the recruitment process.
Use DM, but don’t abuse it
Direct messages may seem like the quickest way to communicate with a coach, but moderation is key. Don’t bombard coaches with DM after DM if you don’t receive an immediate response. Practice patience. If you don’t hear back within a few days, you can try resending your message. Additionally, make your DMs newsworthy by sharing relevant updates such as new game footage or an improved GPA. Lastly, be mindful of timing. DMs can be more intrusive than email, so try to stick to normal business hours when sending your messages.
Stay sharp when it comes to all coach communications
While DMs can become the primary channel of communication between you and college coaches, it’s crucial to adapt your approach based on individual coaches. Each coach may have different preferences for communication, whether it’s on Twitter, online, by phone, or in-person. Always be prepared and attentive when engaging with coaches through any medium. Sometimes, the first DM you receive from a coach might include their phone number with a request to call them.
By following these guidelines, you can harness the power of DMs to enhance your recruiting journey. Remember to maintain professionalism and authenticity in your interactions with coaches. Good luck!
