Recruiting at Tournaments

If you are interested in playing sports in college you either have, or will, have to meet a college coach. This might also be at a tournament that you are playing in. For volleyball there are multiple qualifiers, or big tournaments, that teams can attend to be recognized by colleges. At these tournaments there are anywhere from 10-50 coaches scouting for their team. This can be very stressful, and there are many ways to cope with the anxiousness of having a coach watch you for the first time.

First off, don't let it get in your head. They are obviously watching you for a reason, so you shouldn't be worried about not being good enough. The fact that they have recognized you should make you feel pretty great. The best thing to do is just act like they aren't there. It is a normal game in which the goal is the same. You are going to want to push yourself and do your best. If they aren't interested they will usually know from the start, so you shouldn't worry too much. 

The second reason you shouldn't worry is because there are so many opportunities for you to be seen. While one coach may not be as interested in you, another could be all for. It just depends on the school, what they are looking for, and the necessities of your class. Some schools might not need you position for the class of 2016, but for the class of 2017 there are many spots open. It is important to know that sometimes there is just no room for you, and there is nothing you can do about it.

College coaches have different things they look for in athletes and there are so many things you could try to fix about yourself, but overall it is best to just be yourself. If you do end up playing the sport you love at that college, the coach will eventually find out how you actually are anyways. Stay true to yourself. 

Staying calm and collected can be very hard for others to do, so you must look to your teammates for support. They have probably gone through the exact situation, or maybe are even going through it with you. Don't let the nerves get the best of you and focus on the game. After all, it is just another game that you are trying to improve in. There is no need to get worked up simply because there is one extra person in the crowd, but it is important to acknowledge the fact that they are there and you need to give full effort. You should be giving all your effort in every situation anyways, so it shouldn't be too difficult.