Many students at BSM have committed to playing a sport in college. The recruiting process itself can be stressful, but the pressure to commit early because other classmates are can also be taxing.
Student-athletes are not allowed to talk to college coaches until June 15th after their sophomore year. Once that date hits, the rush to find a school that fits the student’s academic and athletic goals starts. Some of the steps of the recruiting process include reaching out to the schools, having calls with coaches, inviting the coaches to the athlete’s games, and attending a recruiting camp. Once the athlete has gone through the recruiting process and is ready to make a decision they will go on visits where the schools try to get you to commit. “I feel like every visit I went on I felt a high after…because they kind of try and show you everything good that there is,” Olivia Olson, senior basketball captain and University of Michigan commit, said.
Outside pressure from coaches, family, and friends can also affect a student athlete’s decision on where to go. There can be pressure from the family because of legacies or cost. Also, some coaches may demand a decision quickly because they are trying to fill their rosters. Coaches may also give a deadline for a student-athlete. A deadline is when the coach gives the athlete a time limit on when they need a yes or no decision. Teammates committing can also lead to an athlete feeling like they need to make a decision quickly. “[My teammates] would see their teammates or people around them committing, so they’d try to rush into the process and not find the right fit for them,” Gus Bell, senior lacrosse captain and Army West Point commit, said.
[My teammates] would see their teammates or people around them committing, so they’d try to rush into the process and not find the right fit for them.”
— Gus Bell
There are many deciding factors that go into committing to where a student-athlete wants to play for the next 4 years. Some factors include the team, coaches, location, and academics. With all the different elements it can be hard for student-athletes to narrow down their decision. The relationship the student-athlete has with the coach can be crucial to where they decide to go. “I really liked the coach, Coach Ikenberry made a really personal connection with me, and the campus size of the school was really attractive to me,” Jack Anderson, baseball captain and James Madison University commit, said.