August 1st is Approaching - Time to Get on Their Radar!

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Can you believe it? August 1st is just around the corner, and if you're not sure why that date should be circled in red on your calendar, let me break it down for you.

What Makes August 1st So Important?

August 1st marks the official start of the contact period for your recruiting class (2027). This is when college coaches can finally reach out to you directly - no more waiting for you to make the first move! Think of it as the green light for coaches to start building relationships (and offer) with players they've been watching from the sidelines.

But here's the thing - they can only contact you if they know you exist.

Getting Your Name Out There

Right now, coaches are putting together their contact lists. They're looking at summer tournament rosters, checking out showcase results, and asking their networks about standout players. The question is: are you on their radar?

If you haven't been actively promoting yourself, now's the time to kick it into high gear. Make sure your recruiting profile is updated, your highlight videos are current, and you're playing in front of the right people at summer tournaments and showcases.

The Phone's About to Ring - Are You Ready?

Once August 1st hits, you might start getting calls from college coaches. Exciting, right? But also a little nerve-wracking. The good news is that these coaches are reaching out because they see potential in you. They think there might be a good fit, so take a deep breath and remember - they WANT to talk to you.

That said, first impressions matter. You want to sound confident, prepared, and genuinely interested in their program. So let's make sure you're ready for whatever questions come your way.

Questions Coaches Will Ask You

College coaches aren't just looking for talented players - they want young men who can handle the academic and social demands of college life. Here are some questions you should be ready to answer:

Academic Questions:

• "How are you doing in school? What's your GPA and test scores?"
• "What major are you interested in?"

Athletic Questions:

• "How is your summer/fall/winter/spring going?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?"
• "What are you currently working on improving?"
• "What kind of training have you been doing?"

Fit Questions:

• "Why are you interested in our school and program?"
• "What are your interests or hobbies outside of baseball?"
• "What other schools are you looking at?"

The key is to answer honestly but positively. If you're working on improving your batting average, don't just say "I'm struggling at the plate." Instead, try something like "I'm really focused on improving my approach against off-speed pitching, and I've been working with my hitting coach on recognizing spin rates earlier in the count."

Questions YOU Should Ask THEM

Remember, recruiting is a two-way street. You're not just trying to impress them - you're also evaluating whether their program is the right fit for you. Here are some smart questions to ask:

About the Program:

• "What does a typical day look like for players during fall, winter, and spring?"
• "How often do you train strength and conditioning?"
• "Do players typically play summer ball, and do you help with placement?"
• “Does your program bring in a lot of transfer players each year?”

About Academics:

• "What are the most popular majors for athletes on your team?"
• "Is there an academic advisor or tutoring available specifically for athletes?"
• "Are there any majors that might conflict with the athletic schedule?"

About Campus Life:

• "What's the housing situation for athletes?"
• "Do athletes typically stay on campus during the summer?"

These questions show you're thinking seriously about the total college experience, not just baseball.

What NOT to Bring Up

Two topics to avoid in those initial conversations: playing time and scholarships.

Coaches will never promise playing time - you have to earn that through practice and performance. And if they're interested in offering you a scholarship, they'll bring that up when they're ready. Asking about it too early can make you seem more focused on the money than the opportunity.

The Bottom Line

August 1st is your chance to start building real relationships with college coaches. They're going to be evaluating not just your baseball skills, but your character, your academic commitment, and how well you'd fit into their program culture.

Come prepared, ask good questions, and remember - they called you because they're interested. This is an exciting time in your baseball journey, so embrace it!

Ready to Take Your Recruiting to the Next Level?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the recruiting process or want to make sure you're maximizing every opportunity, I'm here to help. As someone who's guided countless players through this exact process, I can help you create a personalized recruiting strategy, polish your approach with coaches, and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Ready to get serious about your recruiting? Let's schedule a call to discuss how my Premier Athletes program can help you navigate this crucial time and land at the perfect program for you.

Don't leave your future to chance - let's make sure you're ready for August 1st and beyond!

Remember: College coaches are looking for players who can contribute on and off the field. Show them you're that player, and the opportunities will follow.

Alex Swenson
College Baseball Advisor
Former D1 Coach, Scout & Recruiter

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