The Tale of Two Athletes: Why Every Conversation Matters in Recruiting

In every recruiting cycle, there are stories that teach more than any seminar, workshop, or highlight reel ever could. Recently, I witnessed two situations, similar in opportunity, but drastically different in outcome, that perfectly illustrate one of the most overlooked principles in the recruiting process: how you communicate reflects your character, and your character impacts your opportunities.

Athlete A: The Missed Opportunity

The first athlete is a talented kid out of the Huntsville, Alabama area. Raw ability, natural frame, good film, but no offers yet. Not because he couldn’t play at the next level, but because he was still early in the process and needed exposure, guidance, and reps, both on the field and in communication.

One afternoon, two college coaches reached out to him. Not huge programs, not Power Four, but two legitimate opportunities to build relationships and gain momentum in his recruiting journey. One coach received a short, dry reply, one-word answers, no energy, no gratitude. The second coach didn’t hear back for hours. And in recruiting, hours can feel like days.

Both coaches moved on.

When I sat down with the athlete to help him navigate what happened, he shrugged and said, “Those were both like NAIA schools.” As if NAIA was beneath him. As if early interest wasn’t the fuel that often leads to bigger opportunities. As if coaches at any level don’t talk to each other.

The truth is this: you never know who knows who. And no athlete, especially one with zero offers, has the luxury of picking and choosing who is “worth” responding to. The most dangerous thing a student-athlete can carry isn’t a lack of talent, it’s entitlement.

Athlete B: The Power of Humility

Now let me tell you about a young man from the North Atlanta area. This athlete currently holds six offers, four of which are Division I. He has real traction. Real buzz. Real leverage.

A Division III coach reached out to him, likely fully aware the odds of landing him were next to none. But the coach wanted to check in, learn about the athlete’s journey, and simply have a conversation. A touchpoint. A moment of connection.

This athlete responded with the same respect, intentionality, and humility he gives every school. He answered questions, expressed gratitude, and carried himself like a young man who understands that relationships matter. Even when he doesn’t need the offer. Even when the world might say he doesn’t “need” the conversation.

And that’s exactly why he’s in the position he’s in.

Coaches talk. Character travels. And what you do when you have options says more about you than what you do when you don’t.

Two Athletes. One Difference That Changes Everything.

Both talented. Both capable. Both wanting to play college athletics.

One treated the process like an inconvenience. The other treated the process like a blessing.

One shut door without realizing they were doors. The other held them open, even when he didn’t need to walk through them.

Every conversation with a coach, whether NAIA, JUCO, D3, D2, or D1, is a chance to grow, to learn, and to build your reputation. Your communication is your resume before you ever step on campus. And your humility is often the bridge to opportunity.

In this recruiting world, God will open doors for you. But athletes must also understand how quickly they can close them by not stewarding those opportunities well.

Respect every coach. Answer every message. Show gratitude for every conversation.

Because you never know which one becomes the connection that changes your life.