Maximize Your Summer: How to Compete, Connect, and Be Seen by College Coaches
A Find My Team Guide for Student-Athletes and Their Parents
Summer is here, and with it comes one of the most important seasons in the college recruiting journey. From showcases to tournaments to camps, this is the time student-athletes have the chance to not only perform, and improve, but to be seen by college coaches who are looking for players—and people—who fit their team needs.
At Find My Team, our mission is to help student-athletes and their families navigate this process with clarity, confidence, and integrity. We believe that with the right preparation and mindset, this summer can open real doors for your future.
Here is a quick guide to how you can maximize your summer—now and for your future.
Prepare to Perform: Body, Mind, and Game Plan
The best performances start long before the first whistle.
- Physically – stay conditioned, hydrated, and rested. Summer heat, travel fatigue, and packed schedules can wear you down fast. Recovery is just as important as training.
- Mentally – come in focused and prepared, with your goals in mind. Build a pre-game routine that grounds you—music, visualization, breath work. Confidence grows from preparation.
- Strategically – go into each event knowing your purpose. The clearer your goals, the better your results. What is your reason? Why are you doing this?
Stand Out the Right Way
College coaches may only see a small window of your play, so make every moment count.
- Hustle. Communicate. Lift your teammates. Coaches want difference-makers, not just stat-makers.
- Be coachable – how you take feedback and respond to adversity matters.
- And remember – you’re being watched even when you’re not playing. Your body language, how you treat officials, and how you carry yourself all say something.
Understand What College Coaches Look For
Every coach has different needs, but most are looking for:
- A great fit for their program—someone who aligns with their values and style.
- Consistency—an athlete who gives effort, listens, competes, and respects their sport, coaches, and teammates.
- Don’t forget academics – though it is summer, make sure you have done everything you need for the next year and for your future eligibility.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be real—and ready.
Make Connections That Count
If you want to be seen, you also have to be strategic in how you connect with coaches.
- Reach out before events with a short, professional email: who you are, where you’re playing, and a link to your highlight video or profile.
- Afterward, a simple follow-up, from you, with gratitude and updates shows maturity and interest.
- Build meaningful conversations that you hope to continue. Coaches know when it is a mass email.
The Role of Parents: Support, Not Spotlight
Parents are a huge part of this journey—but the spotlight belongs to the athlete.
- Provide encouragement, not pressure. This is their path to walk.
- Help in ways you can, but don’t do everything for them. They have to own their journey.
- Model the behavior you want to see: respect for coaches, patience in the process, and downtime away from sports. Find a guide if you can.
Reflect and Refocus After Each Event
Every competition provides an opportunity to grow and to learn.
- Ask: What did I learn? What did I love? What do I want to improve?
- Track your performances and feedback from coaches.
- What is the next step that I can take to improve, connect with coaches, or adjust my college list?
Final Thoughts
This summer isn’t just about playing hard—it’s about learning, growing, and making connections that matter. Every competition is a stepping stone toward finding the right college fit, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Find My Team is here to help you navigate every step with honesty, experience, and heart. Want to take the next step in your recruiting journey?
