The recruiting process is widely regarded as one of the most competitive aspects of high school and college life, pitting thousands of students against each other in a battle to be the best and do the best. College sports recruiting pushes student athletes to not only have the best athletic performance, but also to push themselves academically.
“Understand that your freshmen and sophomore years count academically,” varsity football coach Craig Buzea said. Many students for some reason think that these grades won’t matter, and then they’re stuck playing catch-up when they’re a senior trying to qualify for certain schools.”
College sports recruiting does not only care about athletics, but pushes students academically as well. This helps to create a society of athletically built scholars.
“I think there’s a lot of things we obviously look for in people who are very talented and very skilled – a worthy player. But I think above all, Coach wants to recruit good people. We look for high character people with high IQ on the floor,” Purdue’s Director of Player Personnel Sasha Stefanovic said.
Not only does the recruiting process promote smart athletes, but they also search for individuals with great morals and teamwork skills. One of the biggest parts of being on a team is being able to work with others, and the recruiting process is searching for people with just that skill.
“I think my work ethic had a really big impact on colleges during the recruiting process,” senior basketball player Ava Ziolkowski said.
In conclusion, not only are colleges searching for talented athletes who know what they are doing on the floor or the field, but they are also searching for individuals who display extensive academic success, leadership skills, and overall positive work ethic.