At Deerfield, many student athletes undergo the college recruiting process while juggling school work and an active social life.
According to Colby University hockey commit Owen Clifford ’23, the timeline of the process varies in length depending on the athlete. “You always have to be open to new things,” Clifford explained. “Things will change, coaches can get fired, and you just have to go into places with an open mind and try to figure out what the best fit for you is.”
Clifford added, “Not getting caught up on the school is a big thing. Going where you want to go, going where you’re gonna be happy, going where you’re going to get a great education and also playing a high level of hockey is important.”
Clifford noted the importance of not getting caught up in the allure of “going D1,” saying, “Find where you want to be. Whatever it is. It could be the school’s food, coaches, or even just a sick locker room. Find what you want out and pursue it.”
Harvard University baseball commit Ryan McHugh ’23 stressed the importance of academics. He said, “At the end of the day, your education is most important.” He also emphasized the importance of grades during the recruitment process, saying, “Grades really do matter to coaches.”
McHugh’s advice for potential recruits is to stay focused on the important things and not get distracted by the attention and media. He said, “Getting recruited at a young age is a good thing; it means you are talented and coaches respect and admire that. But, it is more important to focus on being a good teammate, and have fun.” In most NCAA sports, athletes can legally talk to coaches either on or after June 15 after sophomore year or September 1 of junior year. However, many college coaches begin to scout online as well as talk to athletes’ coaches before this time.
The hours of dedication and hard work often pay off on National Signing Day, which happens once a term. On National Signing Day, athletes sign the National Letter of Intent, a binding agreement to attend their chosen university and compete in their athletic program. While different athletes may sign at different times, it serves as an opportunity for athletes and their families to celebrate the monumental task of committing to play college athletics.
Recruiting at Deerfield, a school with an already strenuous workload, is a unique challenge. As one progresses through the recruitment process, McHugh suggests, “Talk to your coaches and create a list of potential places you would want to take a look at.” He notes that while the recruitment process can be confusing, it is important not to get lost in it. McHugh advises Deerfield athletes in particular to “learn to love Deerfield and what Deerfield has done to help your career.”