Having a Plan: Being Intentional in the Recruiting Process

Tyler Lennon
Jan 20
3 min read

The college recruiting process can feel overwhelming—especially when athletes and families are told the only way to get recruited is to attend endless ID camps, showcases, and events that quickly become expensive.

At 44 Sports Recruiting, we believe recruiting should be intentional, structured, and strategic. With the right plan and the right tools, athletes can gain exposure, build relationships, and pursue opportunities without unnecessary pressure or overspending.

Recruiting Without a Plan Creates Confusion

Random camps and scattered outreach often lead to frustration. Recruiting works best when there is clarity and direction.

A strong recruiting plan includes:

Understanding your current athletic level
Knowing what schools fit you academically, athletically, and culturally
Having a clear communication and exposure strategy

This doesn’t limit dreams—it helps athletes pursue them wisely.

Your Recruiting Profile Is the Foundation

One of the most important starting points in recruiting is having a complete and organized profile. This is where 44 Sports Recruiting software becomes such a strong base to work from.

Your profile acts as a central hub for coaches. Instead of scattered emails, stats, and links, everything coaches need to evaluate you is in one place.

A strong profile helps you:

Present accurate athletic and academic information
Share highlight videos and performance data
Give coaches a clear snapshot of who you are
Stay organized and consistent with communication

Recruiting software isn’t the whole process—but it gives you a solid foundation to build from.

Reach Out Based on Your Level and Your Goals

Effective recruiting outreach depends on being honest about where you are right now and clear about where you want to go.

Recruiting works best when athletes:

Reach out to schools that align with their current level
Keep goals in mind when evaluating opportunities
Stay open to feedback from coaches

This doesn’t mean settling. It means being intentional so conversations lead somewhere productive.

Let Your Goals Shape Your Strategy

Every athlete’s goals are different. Some prioritize the highest competitive level possible, while others focus on academics, location, playing time, or development.

When outreach aligns with goals:

Communication with coaches is clearer
Expectations stay healthy
Decisions are made with confidence

Growth happens over time, and recruiting levels can change. Staying disciplined, coachable, and persistent allows athletes to adjust their strategy as they develop.

ID Camps: Use Them Strategically

ID camps can be helpful—but only when used intentionally. Attending every camp without communication or fit often leads to unnecessary spending.

A smarter approach:

Reach out to coaches first
Attend camps where there is real interest
Choose events that align with your level and goals

Recruiting is about relationships, not just showing up.

Cast a Wide Net—and Don’t Give Up

Recruiting is rarely linear. Casting a wide net across multiple levels creates more opportunities and clarity.

Athletes should consider:

Multiple divisions and pathways
Continued development and feedback
Staying encouraged through the process

There are many places to play college sports. Your journey may look different—but it still matters.

Structure Brings Confidence

When recruiting has structure, it becomes less stressful and more purposeful. Instead of guessing or reacting, athletes move forward with clarity and confidence.

At 44 Sports Recruiting, our goal is to help athletes and families: