Every week we hear from athletes and parents who ask the same question: Does social media really matter in recruiting?
The short answer is yes - it matters more than most think.

Social media can be an incredible tool to showcase work ethic, leadership, and personality, but it can also close doors fast. Coaches do their homework. They see what you post, what you like, and how you represent yourself. Here are five ways to use social media wisely and keep it working in your favor.

1. Build a Profile That Coaches Want to Follow

Your profile is your online locker room. Keep it clean, current, and professional.
Use your full name, sport, grad year, and club or high school in your bio. Add a link to your highlight reel or recruiting profile. Post clips that show effort, teamwork, and skill. A coach should be able to understand who you are and what you bring to a team within 30 seconds of visiting your page.

2. Think Before You Post (or Comment)

Everything you post reflects on you. Jokes, memes, arguments, or negative comments can send the wrong message. College programs invest in character as much as athletic ability. Before hitting post, ask yourself, Would I show this to my future coach or team? If the answer is no, don’t share it.

3. Highlight the Work, Not Just the Wins

Coaches value athletes who show consistency and growth. Posting training sessions, early morning workouts, or recovery routines shows commitment. Wins and awards are great, but the process is what stands out. Share moments that reflect discipline, focus, and leadership - the qualities coaches look for every day.

4. Stay Positive and Supportive

Social media is an easy place to celebrate teammates and show gratitude to coaches, parents, and programs that have supported you. Simple acts like tagging your teammates in a “great game” post or thanking a coach for their help can go a long way. Negativity or blaming after losses, however, can raise red flags for recruiters who value team-first athletes.

5. Keep Accounts Public and Active During Recruiting

A private account makes it harder for coaches to find and evaluate you. Keep one account public for your athletic and academic journey. Be consistent - post updates about new film, grades, camps, and events you’ll attend. Coaches want to see that you are active, reachable, and serious about your goals.

When Social Media Helped

1. The Highlight That Went Viral for the Right Reasons
   A junior midfielder posted a short training clip of her wall-ball routine with the caption “Every rep counts.” The video showed her focus and work ethic, and it reached a local college coach who was already following her club’s page. The coach messaged her club director the same week to schedule a call.
   Takeaway: Authentic, hard-work content gets attention. Coaches love seeing consistent effort more than flashy edits.
2. The Leadership Post That Set a Tone
   A senior goalie shared photos from a youth clinic where he volunteered with younger players. His caption thanked the program and mentioned how giving back reminded him why he loves the game. That post was shared by his high-school athletic department and ended up on a D3 coach’s feed. It helped the coach confirm that this player fit the team culture.
   Takeaway: Positivity and leadership online can reinforce what you show on the field.

When Social Media Hurt

1. The Post-Game Rant
   After a tough tournament loss, one player posted angry comments about officials and tagged opposing players. Within 24 hours, a college coach who had been following his progress texted his club coach to say they were moving on to other prospects.
   Takeaway: Coaches will assume how you act online is how you act on their sideline.
2. The Private Account That Wasn’t Private Enough
   An athlete kept a second “private” account where teammates shared inside jokes and party photos. A college staff member who followed a mutual friend saw screenshots and decided to stop recruiting him.
   Takeaway: Nothing online is truly private. If you wouldn’t want a coach or future employer to see it, don’t post it.

Final Takeaway

Social media can make or break your recruiting chances. Used well, it builds your reputation and connects you with real opportunities. Used poorly, it can shut doors you never knew were open.

Parents, talk to your athletes about managing their online presence early. Athletes, remember that your posts tell a story - make sure it’s one a coach would want to be part of.

Smart social media isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being respected.

Visit RecruitedToPlay.com for more resources on how to navigate your recruiting journey the right way.