College sports recruiting isn’t just happening on the field anymore. It’s happening on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. More college coaches are turning to social media to scout talent by watching highlight reels, workout clips, full games and online streams. This means student athletes need to jump on the social media train to build a strong online presence and gain more visibility to help coaches recognize them. As social media becomes a bigger part of the recruiting process, athletes are learning yet another skill: to effectively promote themselves online, which can sometimes become overwhelming.

Junior Logan Leverte committed to play beach volleyball at Tulane and has seen firsthand how powerful social media can be during the recruiting process.

 “I used Instagram just so I could follow other coaches and post my highlights, as well as achievements to give myself a reputation in the beach volleyball community,” Leverte said. 

Leverte would upload her highlights and full game footage onto Youtube and Instagram, while linking them in her monthly emails to coaches. 

“It definitely helps get your name out there,” Leverte said. “Coaches all talk to each other, and having your name recognized builds your reputation.”

As more athletes are training to become committed, some social platforms are better than others. 

“I use Instagram and YouTube the most because those are the two platforms coaches are on and it’s easy for them to find and navigate your clips and highlights,” Leverte said.

  Junior Cole Graves plays varsity and competitive soccer, and is trying to become recruited. He has also used the platforms Instagram and YouTube to get on the radar of coaches.

Graves focuses on posting clips that show not just his talent but also what makes him stand out from the rest. 

“I try to showcase my highlights and what I have to offer, maybe more of what’s unique to me,” Graves said. 

He has received interest from coaches who have invited him to camps after seeing his posts, giving him a head start in the recruitment process 

Both athletes recommend being consistent, smart and captivating. 

“Don’t just post your best clips.The more the merrier. Make your content specific to the schools you’re trying to go to,” Graves said. 

They both recommend to start posting sooner than later and be on top of your social media to make sure you’re becoming noticed by coaches.

 “Start as soon as you can,” Leverte said, “It helps you build a reputation early, and showing that you’re always improving really helps get your name out there.”

Many college coaches want to see development over time in an athlete, not just broad highlight reels. Posting on the regular or monthly helps show your dedication to a sport and can help catch the attention of a coach.  Using social media for recruiting has become more valuable than ever, helping players get their names and faces in front of coaches digitally.