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MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION
Seldom do you get a second chance to make a first impression.

Communicating with a college coach is critical to getting noticed. Building a player resume is easy if you know what to do. Here is a sample to help you get a “jump-start” on communicating who you are to a prospective college coach. You can answer a lot of questions a coach might have with a clear and concise player resume. This sample illustrates academic and athletic accomplishments, club playing history, tournaments, and showcase exposure along with references and community service. Remember, if you do nothing, expect nothing. A college coach can’t recruit a player if he or she does not know how to contact you.

RESUME TIPS
Develop a resume that is clear and concise. Use the sample resume we have included here as a guide. Make sure to include your parents’ names, address, phone number and email address.

You will see the player’s Social Security Number (on the sample). Some resumes will include a Student ID provided by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The purpose? College coaches need to validate your grades and scores, along with your birth year.

Include a college and career objective – you are being recruited as a Student Athlete. Going to college is about graduating with a meaningful degree and playing at a championship level.

Your playing experience is important to a college coach, along with an evaluation from your club coach. Make sure you include any tournaments and showcases you will be attending.

Include at least two [2] or more references who can speak of your character, work ethics and person. Any community service you have actively been involved in will be important, so don’t hesitate to include this in your resume.

While building a resume is one of the first steps in communicating with a college coach, the follow-up is one of the most critical.

Look at it this way… getting a spot on a college roster is like getting a job.

Send your resume and a cover letter to the college coach and let them know you have done your homework and believe you would be a good fit. Wait 5 to 7 working days to make sure your player profile was received by the coach, THEN call the coach and follow up. Try to have a list of questions you would like answered.

Consider the graduation rate, training schedule, and if they see you as a good fit for their program. If you are currently a senior in high school, NCAA rules permit a college coach to speak with you. If you are currently a junior in high school or younger, NCAA rules prohibit Division I and II coaches from returning your call and speaking with you until after July 1st after you have completed your junior year. To learn more about the NCAA rules and contact periods, visit www.NCAA.org.

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