If you’re a parent supporting your child’s dream to play college sports, you know the recruiting process can be overwhelming and expensive. Even with the best intentions, many parents make costly mistakes that can delay or even derail their child’s chances of being recruited. The good news is that with a little preparation and the right approach, you can help your athlete avoid the most common pitfalls.

Here are the top five mistakes parents make—and how to avoid them:

1. Waiting Too Long to Start the Recruiting Process

Many families believe they can wait until junior or senior year to get serious about recruiting. In reality, college coaches often start tracking potential recruits as early as middle school or freshman year of high school, especially for highly competitive sports like lacrosse and soccer.
Solution: Begin researching programs, building highlight reels, and understanding eligibility requirements by 8th or 9th grade. Early action gives your child more time to develop relationships with coaches and improve their athletic profile.

2. Spending Big on the Wrong Camps and Showcases

It’s tempting to sign up for every showcase, camp, or travel team in hopes of getting noticed. However, not all events offer the same recruiting value, and some may not be attended by college coaches relevant to your child’s goals.
Solution: Research events to make sure college coaches from your target schools will be in attendance. Focus your investment on camps and tournaments where your athlete has the best chance to be seen.

3. Ignoring the Academic Side of Recruiting

Athletic ability matters, but academics are equally important. Some parents focus solely on sports, only to realize too late that their child does not meet NCAA eligibility or the admissions standards for their dream schools.
Solution: Stay on top of GPA, standardized tests, and core course requirements from day one. Use tools like the NCAA Eligibility Center to track progress.

4. Failing to Build a Standout Online Profile

Today, coaches rely heavily on digital profiles and highlight videos. Some parents overlook the importance of a strong online presence or let profiles go outdated.
Solution: Help your athlete create a polished recruiting profile with up-to-date stats, highlight reels, and academic achievements. Update regularly and share with coaches via email and recruiting platforms.

5. Not Being Proactive with Coach Communication

Many families wait for coaches to reach out first or rely too heavily on club or high school coaches to advocate for their athlete. This can lead to missed opportunities.
Solution: Teach your child to take the initiative. Encourage them to email coaches directly, express genuine interest in programs, and follow up after tournaments or showcases.

Final Thoughts

The recruiting process is a journey, not a sprint. By starting early, making smart investments, prioritizing academics, building an effective online profile, and staying proactive in communication, you can help your athlete avoid costly mistakes and maximize their chances of playing college sports.

Want to make sure you’re on the right path? Check out the Recruited To Play course for a step-by-step recruiting guide, proven email templates, highlight reel tips, and more.