Almost every high school student-athlete’s next step should be to play in college. One fantastic way to take your first step toward getting recruited is by attending college ID camps and showcases. These valuable opportunities allow you to compete against high-level competition and show off in front of college coaches and scouts. Simply showing up is not enough, so here is a step-by-step guide to getting the most out of a college ID camp.

Step 1: Do Your Research and Make Contact

Going into an ID camp without any prior knowledge is never a good idea. Make sure you research which universities and, more importantly, which coaches will be there. Reach out to the coaches of universities you are interested in and start to establish a genuine connection. Tell them you will be attending the camp and share a little bit about yourself. This initial step will make talking to them in person much easier.

Step 2: Make Your Presence Known

This step is crucial both on the field and off. On the field, be vocal by speaking up and being a leader for your team—traits that coaches find impressive. Off the field, it is important to talk to the coaches and continue to build your connection with them. A good connection can easily pave the way for a spot on the team.

Step 3: Play Hard and Play Smart

Make sure you have prepared before the camp to play hard on the day. Private coaching with Athletes Untapped can help bolster your skills before the big day. Show off your work ethic, technical skills, and positive attitude. Also, be sure to play smart. Coaches always love players who think outside the box but also play simple when needed.

Step 4: Ask for Feedback

The final step for connecting with the coach is asking for feedback. Even if you do not end up getting recruited from this camp, feedback on your performance from a college coach is always valuable. Sending the coaches an email after the camp can also be a great way to continue connecting with them and get more detailed feedback.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

Crushing a college ID camp involves more than just showing up. By doing your research, making your presence known, playing hard and smart, and seeking feedback, you can maximize your chances of being recruited. Getting a coach from Athletes Untapped can get you another step closer to your goal of playing college sports.

For more information and resources, visit Athletes Untapped.