April 10, 2025
Below is a summary of the webinar’s talking points
For student-athletes, creating a strong college list is the first step toward a successful and fulfilling college experience—athletically and academically. In a recent webinar, Max McKenna from Headfirst and Justin Cronk from Diamond College Advisory Team shared strategies to help families build smarter lists and navigate today’s evolving recruiting landscape.
Focus on Qualities, Not Names
Avoid starting with big-name conferences like the Ivy League or NESCAC. Instead, ask:
Even within a single conference, schools vary dramatically (e.g., Columbia vs. Brown, Tufts vs. Middlebury). Build your list based on the fit of the school qualities, rather than the name of the school or conference.
Get an Honest Assessment of Your Baseball Fit
Justin emphasized the need for objective feedback—ideally from a third party. There’s a wide range within each division, and assumptions can mislead.
Use:
Start with a Preliminary List
Your first list isn’t final—it’s a starting point.
Tips:
Your list will (and should) change over time.
Use a 9-Category Matrix
Organize schools by:
This matrix evolves with your growth and keeps you realistic while encouraging ambition.
Learn from Every Coach Interaction
Each conversation—yes, no, or maybe—is information. Pay attention to:
“Every no helps point you to your next yes.”
High-academic recruiting isn’t just about elite schools—it’s about maximizing both academics and athletics. It’s more rigorous, slower-paced, and ultimately more rewarding.
Why It’s Challenging
Athletes must constantly evaluate:
Acceptance rates are low—even for top students—so every step must be intentional.
Patience Pays Off
This process moves slower:
Take the long view—it’s about the next 40 years, not just four.
Academics = Your Advantage
Strong students have a leg up:
Your academic profile can insulate you from some of the recent recruiting and NCAA trends and changes.
Navigating the Changing Recruiting Landscape
Recent shifts are reshaping how coaches recruit—and when.
Recruiting Has Slowed
Coaches are taking longer to make offers, especially at D1 schools. This benefits players, giving them time to develop and explore.
New Roster Rules
Starting in the fall of 2025, D1 programs can have 38 players in the fall season, and then must cut rosters to 34 players by December.
Impact: Coaches are more cautious and selective—fit matters more than ever.
Scholarships Expanded (Sort Of)
D1 schools can now offer up to 34 scholarships—but many won’t due to budget limits.
Translation: don’t assume full scholarships are widely available.
The Transfer Portal
With 5,000+ D1 players in the portal recently, many coaches prioritize transfers over high school recruits—unless academics or culture make a difference.
NIL: A Non-Issue for Most
In baseball, NIL rarely moves the needle. Don’t let it influence your decisions.
How you communicate with coaches matters as much as what you say.
Personalization Is Key
Ditch generic emails. Instead:
Details Matter
Before you hit send:
Go Beyond Email
Follow up with:
These personal touches make a lasting impact.
Own the Process
The student—not the parent—should lead communication. Coaches want to hear directly from athletes. Be intentional, authentic, and organized.
Timing Tips
Final Takeaway:
The recruiting process is more complex than ever—but also more intentional. With patience, self-awareness, and a strong academic foundation, student-athletes can find not just a college, but the right college.