Many athletes across the country look forward to continuing their athletic careers. Prior to COVID-19, many athletes were seen by coaches at tournaments and showcases, but now it is much different.
COVID-19 made a huge impact on the recruiting process strictly; not only canceling many sporting events but even preventing college coaches and recruiters from traveling to those big tournaments and seeing athletes.
Many athletes in the 2021 and 2022 graduating classes struggled with this new form of recruiting. Most recruitments now are based on personal coaches’ input and taking videos of athletes to send out. Senior Alexander Kutcher experienced this already.
“Videos have been very important, it is the only way many coaches are able to see me actually play,” Kutcher said. “I have tried to email as many coaches as possible to boost my chances of getting seen.”
Not only are seniors experiencing this problem, but many juniors are facing this same problem. Many division one schools put a hold on the recruiting process. It not only has prevented coaches from seeing athletes in person but also prevented athletes from meeting coaches in person, which can be a big make or break factor when choosing a school. Junior Avery Larsen experienced this throughout her recruiting process this year.
“The process has definitely not been easy, not being able to have college scouts at your game in person or being able to attend all of the scheduled tournaments,” Larsen said. “It has been interesting and I definitely don’t like it. I like meeting them in person and getting to know them better, but this as an alternative is better than nothing.”
As athletes have been struggling to get seen, this is not easy on the coaches either. It is a dream for most athletes to be able to continue playing their sport in college and maybe even further than that. Personal coaches can play a very big role in one’s recruitment. Varsity baseball coach Chris Malec is always looking forward to helping his athletes go on to the next level.
“We are really seeing the power of social media and a coach’s network. College’s who previously were aggressive on the recruiting trail now have to rely on their contacts to find their incoming players,” Malec said. “I will be honest and give my opinion on things but in today’s environment of travel ball, and pay-for-play, players often need an unbiased opinion.”
The 2021 and 2022 graduating classes may have a lot of talent to show to college coaches. During this hard time, athletes are working their hardest to not let the situation affect them and halt the recruiting process.
