A Look Into the Recruitment Process

Many athletes in high school aspire to continue playing their sport at the next level. Roughly 6% of those kids end up playing in the NCAA. The recruitment process for athletes can be a roller coaster. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience to get to play at the next level. Let’s dive deeper into what the college recruiting process looks like for some athletes. 

The recruitment process can swing a lot of emotions. Stress, excitement, gratitude, and being overwhelmed. Finding a program that you want to spend the next 4 years of your athletic career can be a very nerve-wracking concept. Laney Haviland, a senior, found her home with St. Cloud State’s women’s soccer team. She gave a look inside what the process was like and said, “My college recruiting process was a stressful and long process but very exciting. June 15th was the day colleges could reach out to the 2025 class and it was very nerve-wracking at first.” She said, “My family and I were learning along the way of what I wanted in my college. It took a lot of research and time to know exactly what I wanted out of it and learning about different programs that fit for me. The overall process is stressful however, very worth it in the end.” Between learning how to navigate the recruitment path, stress, and finding a place that feels like home, it ends up worth it in the end. 

Senior Lauren Nidey will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a member of the Women’s Soccer team next fall. Nidey is a Goalkeeper on the Waukee girls soccer team. With Nidey being a goalkeeper, her process was unique because of the position that she plays. She gives credit to one of her coaches, who helped her through a unique process. “One coach that helped me was Ginger Parson-McGill. I was realizing that I was making a huge step for my future. My process happened so fast so I thought I needed more time.” She explained, “I called her and she explained to me that it was fast because of the player I was and that this is normal. She helped calm my nerves and the next day I gave my verbal commitment to Milwaukee.” She expressed how having someone who can help guide you through a massive decision in your future is important. 

Carter Johnson is a senior safety/OLB committed to playing at the collegiate level at Lindenwood University. Johnson described his recruitment as tough. Explaining how there were a lot of schools to choose from, but Lindenwood ended up being his home showing love since day one. “Some key factors that led me to choose Lindenwood were first off the coaching staff, they showed me love since day one and they were patient throughout the recruiting process and let me figure it out.” Being a high school athlete in the middle of recruitment can be very stressful, so giving patience builds a trusting environment. Johnson also said, “I would have to say I saw the vision the coaching staff had in plan and I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Similarly, Maverick Inman is a WR committed to playing football at the University of St. Thomas. Maverick highlighted the importance of staying patient. He explained how in the midst of the recruiting process it can be very up and down. “You just have to be very patient and easygoing because it is a roller coaster.” His goals are to continue his football career playing early on in the program and overall having a good time. 

Getting a look into what a big process can be like for high school athletes, they all have the goal of continuing to build and improve as athletes but as people too. They also look forward to learning from the program they have chosen. Best of luck to the athletes committed to playing at the next level and going through tough decisions, it was all worth it in the end. Go Warriors!