ID Camps / frustrating

gointhruaphase
Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:02:53 +0000

@1124825327, I totally understand the frustration. Yes, the camps usually are fundraisers for the teams. On the other hand, one should never confuse revenue with profits. My suspicion is that the coach pays team members to help out, probably needs to pay something for use of the fields, dorms and cafeteria (if used), and then there always is insurance to pay. So, fundraiser for the team - probably. Huge money maker - probably not.

About those “personal” invites, I always doubt their use as a “I really have to have you as a recruit” tool, unless accompanied with a promo code with which the camp fee is waived. Remember, the coach needs to have games, so he or she needs to get enough kids to the camp to allow games to be played, whether or not the kids are worthy of collegiate athletics.

My experience was a bit different. With the highly competitive camps, I thought it was very difficult to stand out. Almost all of the kids were fine athletes with fine skills. I came to the view that the camps should be used to support the process, rather than to drive the process. In other words, develop a relationship with the coaches through email and tell them which camps you are attending. I do realize that you thought you were doing this, so I sympathize.

Under these circumstances, I think it would be appropriate to send an email to the coaches and say, “now that you have had the opportunity to see me play, I would appreciate your candid comments. Do you think there is a place for me on the team. If so, could you arrange a pre-read with admissions?” You made the sacrifice (and paid the money), you are entitled to their honest views.

I have learned that opportunities in athletic recruiting come to those who are assertive.