Building a Strong Social Media Presence for College Recruitment

Recruit 2 Roster
Nov 12
3 min read

In today’s recruiting landscape, your social media presence can open doors—or close them. College coaches don’t just recruit what they see on the field; they recruit what they see online. The right social media platform can be your highlight reel, your personal brand, and your first impression all at once.

Here’s how to create a social media platform that attracts the right attention and keeps your recruiting momentum strong.

1. Pick the Right Platforms

You don’t need to be everywhere—you just need to be where college coaches are.

Top Platforms for Athletes:

• Instagram: Visual storytelling—photos, reels, and short highlights.

• X (formerly Twitter): Quick updates, contact with coaches, announcements, and stats.

• YouTube: Longer highlight videos and game film.

• TikTok: Short, creative clips of training, motivation, or team energy (keep it professional).

Stick to one or two platforms and post consistently. Quality and professionalism are more important than volume.

2. Create a Professional Handle and Profile

Your handle and bio should make it easy for coaches to find and identify you.

Suggested Handle Formats:

@MikeJohnson2026

@SarahJones_Hurdles

@AJ_SmithQB2025

@LaurenRuns400

Avoid using nicknames, slang, or inside jokes. Keep it clean, consistent, and sport-specific.

Profile Checklist:

✓ Full Name

✓ Graduation Year

✓ Sport and Position/Event

✓ High School / Club Team

✓ GPA (if solid)

✓ Contact Email

✓ Link to Recruiting Profile or Highlight Video

3. Post What Coaches Want to See

Coaches are looking for competitors, teammates, and leaders. Every post should tell part of that story.

Examples of Great Posts:

• Highlight Clips: Key plays, race finishes, or skill work—tag your team and use sport hashtags.

• Academic Success: 'Proud to make Honor Roll this semester! Balancing books and blocks.'

• Training Progress: Short clips of workouts, drills, or lifting sessions—show your dedication, not ego.

• Team Moments: Celebrating teammates’ wins or thanking coaches shows leadership and maturity.

• Community Involvement: Volunteering, mentoring, or youth sports involvement speaks volumes.

What Not to Post:

🚫 Party or alcohol photos

🚫 Profanity or disrespect

🚫 Complaints about coaches or teammates

🚫 Controversial or inappropriate memes

🚫 Song lyrics or captions that glorify violence, drugs, or negative behavior

4. Be Smart About Highlight Videos and Music

Your highlight reel should showcase your talent, not distract from it. Music choice can say a lot about your judgment and maturity.

Avoid Music That Contains:

• Profanity

• Racial or gender slurs

• References to drugs, alcohol, or violence

• Sexual content

Better Options:

• Instrumental tracks (cinematic, upbeat, or dramatic)

• Clean pop, hip-hop, or electronic songs

• Royalty-free motivational music (many sites offer free options)

Tip: Always imagine your highlight reel playing in a college athletic office with staff and players watching. If it would make you or your parents uncomfortable—don’t use it.

5. Stay Active and Engage Positively

Consistency matters. Post once or twice a week and engage with others:

• Like and comment on teammates’ achievements

• Share college program announcements you’re interested in

• Congratulate other recruits on commitments

If you tag a college or coach, make sure your content is relevant and respectful.

6. Show Personality—Without Oversharing

Coaches love to see authenticity, not arrogance. Use social media to show your work ethic and your 'why.'

Examples:“Early morning sessions are tough, but the dream makes it worth it.”

“Can’t control results, only effort. Every rep counts.”

7. Audit and Update Regularly

Go through your old posts and delete anything questionable or outdated. Keep your bio and videos current, and update your highlight reel every season.

Pin your best video or announcement post to the top of your feed for easy access.

8. Remember: Coaches Are Watching Everything

Even if your account is private, assume nothing online is truly private. Coaches often hear about players through teammates or mutual contacts. Your online reputation should reflect your real-life character—humble, hardworking, and coachable.

Final Thoughts

Social media can be your digital handshake—your chance to introduce yourself before you ever step on the field or court.

A clean, consistent, and authentic platform will help you:

• Get noticed by coaches

• Build trust and credibility

• Showcase not just your athletic ability, but your character and leadership

Because at the end of the day, college coaches recruit people, not just players.