Preparation comes in many forms: diligent studying and training, understanding your academic and athletic strengths, needs, and weaknesses; meeting with your family, guidance counselor and coach; or researching schools, teams, and coaches on beRecruited.com.  One of the most overlooked forms of preparation, however, is also one of the most important: understanding what collegiate coaches look for in recruits. 

At beRecruited.com, we have had the opportunity to work with over 550 coaches from divisions I, II, and III – coaches from all varieties of universities and teams.  Yet despite the necessary heterogeneity, these coaches recruit athletes who share common characteristics; and these characteristics reach far further than tenths of second, typically representing an athletes’s personality, work ethic, and ability and desire to improve.

By considering a college recruiter’s perspective, potential recruits are able to understand a coach's desires and make themselves more attractive candidates. While not all coaches seek the same athletes, talents, and characteristics, they do share common needs. The following is a list of traits (in no particular order) that NCAA coaches frequently find desirable. Assess yourself in each of these categories and attempt to improve in weaker areas to enhance your appeal and attractiveness.  Furthermore, work hard to highlight your relevant strengths when creating college applications and speaking to potential recruiters.  Remember, marketers at consumer product companies first understand their audience and then sell their products; you should act no differently!  Understand the needs of your audience (college coaches and recruiters) and then market yourself as best you can.

Success
Obviously, coaches pay close attention to a swimmer's past results. Certain coaches only recruit nationally ranked athletes; meanwhile, other programs seek swimmers of varied success. Past results are indicative of a recruit's talent and ability to compete and contribute in the NCAA atmosphere. In studying meet results, each coach attempts to fill the needs of his or her team and will certainly look to fill team weaknesses first. A team lacking a certain position might overlook a great athlete at another position, hoping to build a strong and solid program overall.  By using beRecruited.com's school profile database, for instance, you are able to monitor which events coaches are looking to fill.

Potential
Many coaches are attracted more to a recruit's potential than his or her achievements. In addition to looking at a recruit's best times, coaches also track yearly progress in an attempt to assess an athlete's development and potential. Coaches want to see that in the course of four collegiate years his or her recruits will improve and remain enthused and dedicated athletes.  Potential of course extends far beyond the pool; athletes can highlight potential by explaining new dry-land routines, training regimens, dietary focuses, etc.

Versatility
Athletes capable competing and contributing in several events or positions can be more attractive than specialists. Versatility is highly rewarded in the NCAA dual meet format where athletes are allowed to swim numerous events and relays (depending upon the meet's format). Additionally, versatility is more highly prized by smaller teams that struggle to fill squads during regular dual meets. Larger teams are able to be more selective and recruit specialists with greater ease.  Understanding the needs of particular teams and the talents of their current squad will allow you to market yourself as effectively as possible.

Leadership
Coaches seek talented athletes and leaders. Leaders are not necessarily the most talented athletes; they are, however, important ingredients to a team's success. Team captains, for instance, are highly regarded for their leadership, dedication, and ability to motivate. A leader improves his or her team through hard work, team focus, and a contagious desire to improve personally and collectively.  Coaches recruit athletes who exude such traits.

Work Ethic/Dedication
Similarly, coaches desire athletes with strong, consistent work ethics. A dedicated athlete is not only bound to improve and contribute, he/she will motivate others to train and compete with greater intensity. Dedication and hard work are necessary ingredients for athletic success.  Furthermore, work ethic is a necessary ingredient of each of the above and below traits and is therefore, in the eyes of any coach or recruiter, a critical characteristic!

Academics
Coaches seek recruits that are motivated both on the field / court / pool and in the classroom. Recruits must meet the academic requirements of a particular college or university. Furthermore, a coach wants to be sure that each recruit will remain academically eligible throughout his or her collegiate career. More importantly, coaches want student athletes who will excel in and out of the water.  College sports are just a subset of the collegiate experience; you will indeed spend more time studying than training! Thus, coaches desire recruits who can succeed both on and off the field and are excited by both their studies and their sport.

Personality & Enthusiasm
Coaches will always be attracted to excitable and personable recruits precisely because their teams will welcome those individuals.  A teammate who carries a smile to practice and a contagious aura of enthusiasm is an enjoyable and effective peer.  During recruiting trips or phone conversations, remember to always convey your enthusiasm and to smile!  Recruiters look for more than just statistics!