· Master the Basics – Focus on getting really good at the basic skills like hitting, throwing, fielding, and running. Coaches want players who can do the basic fundamentals well.
· Work Hard – College coaches love players who are dedicated. Work hard at practice, practice on your own, and always try to improve, even when no one is watching.
· Get in Shape – Being fast and strong helps in baseball. Start training to get faster, stronger, and more flexible. Do exercises to build your core, legs, and arms, then develop a strength program in the gym when you are ready to step it up to the next level.
· Do Well in School – Your grades are super important! Colleges want players who are good students, so focus on doing your best in class and keep your grades up. SAT and ACT can be discussed after your Sophomore year.
· Know the Recruiting Timeline – College coaches start looking at players in high school, but it’s never too early to understand how the recruiting process works. Freshman year is when things start, but it helps to know when camps and showcases are happening. Refer to the NCAA Recruiting Calendar here: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/compliance/recruiting/calendar/2024-25/2024-25D1Rec_MBARecruitingCalendar.pdf
· Get Noticed by Coaches – Play in travel baseball tournaments and attend camps or showcases where college coaches might be watching. Even if you’re not getting recruited yet, getting seen early is a big help.
· Be Smart on Social Media – Coaches check social media. Make sure your profiles are clean, positive, and show you as a hardworking player. No bad posts or negative stuff!
· Make a Highlight Video – Start filming each at bat, each pitching outing, and do your best to get game footage of defensive highlights. A recruiting video is a one of the best ways to show coaches your skills when you’re ready to get recruited. Don’t wait too long on this step, or you wont have a leg up on your competition.
· Learn About Different Colleges – There are different types of college teams: NCAA, NAIA, and JC’s. Start learning about them so you know where you might want to play in the future.
· Get Help From Your Support Team – You don’t have to do this alone. Talk to your coaches, parents, and people who know about recruiting. They can help you make good decisions and guide you through the process.