College Recruiting Tips for Freshmen and Sophomores
Jun 04, 2025
If you’re a 9th or 10th grade athlete, or the parent, coach, or mentor of one, it’s not too early to start preparing for college recruitment. In fact, most athletes who wait too long end up playing catch-up.
This guide breaks down exactly what underclassmen should focus on right now, before the spotlight hits.
Academics Matter More Than You Think
Before a coach even watches your film, they’re going to check your grades.
Here’s how to stay ready:
Stay on top of your coursework
Keep up with homework, tests, and assignments. Your transcript tells coaches how reliable and focused you are.
Take challenging, but manageable, classes
Honors or AP classes show effort, but don’t overload yourself. Coaches want smart athletes, not burned-out ones.
Keep an organized academic record
Have your GPA, test scores, and course list ready to send when asked. Don’t scramble to find it later.
Know the Recruiting Timeline
There are NCAA rules about when coaches can contact you. But that doesn’t mean you should sit and wait.
- Fill out interest forms and recruiting questionnaires now
- Build your digital presence early with film, social media, and smart connections
- Coaches are tracking underclassmen, they just can’t contact you yet
Be Smart About Camps and Combines
Not every event is worth your time or money.
Only go if:
- Coaches from schools you're interested in will be there
- You can realistically compete at the level they recruit
- There’s a chance for you to get evaluated, not just “participate”
Stay Self-Aware
Every athlete dreams big, but smart athletes also get real about where they stand.
Ask yourself:
- Am I getting offers or just interest?
Likes and compliments are cool, but offers are commitments. - Am I improving year to year?
Coaches notice growth. Make sure your stats and skill level are trending up. - What are coaches saying about my level?
If multiple coaches suggest JUCO or DIII, pay attention. It’s not a downgrade it’s a fit.
Do the Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Keep your highlight reel updated
Make sure your best plays are current, short, and easy to share.
Clean up your social media
Coaches absolutely check. If you wouldn’t say it in front of them, don’t post it.
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Treat every interaction like it matters
Emails, DMs, camp conversations, it all counts. Be respectful, prepared, and responsive.
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Build a LinkedIn profile
Show that you’re thinking beyond sports. Coaches respect athletes who plan ahead.
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Join platforms like LaunchBreak and Opendorse
LaunchBreak is a free networking platform exclusively for women athletes, it helps you connect with mentors, career tools, and real opportunities beyond your sport.
Opendorse is a platform for all athletes to manage NIL deals, build a professional profile, and see how others are leveraging their brand.
Both are designed to help athletes grow off the field, and both are worth setting up early.
The Warm-Up: Your First Free Real Step
Most platforms help you get seen. The Warm-Up helps you know what to say when the opportunity shows up. It’s a free, narrated athlete-focused course that helps you:
- Get clear on who you are
Define what you represent beyond your sport. - Build your digital presence
Learn how to show up online with purpose. - Clean up and optimize your social media
Coaches, brands, and recruiters are watching.
Learn how to present yourself with confidence
Whether it’s a phone call, DM, or live conversation, you’ll be ready.
Start shaping a monetizable offer
NIL isn’t just for college stars. It starts with how you position yourself now.
You also get access to:
- Veteran agents who offers real feedback
- Digital strategists who help with branding and visibility
- A private community of athletes, mentors, parents, coaches, supporters, sports reps
- Live coaching sessions (with replays if you miss them)
Recruiting doesn’t begin when a coach calls, it begins when you prepare. Get your mind right, your brand right, and your presence right.
