The DO’s of Social Media

But, just because they aren’t in the bleachers taking in your game, they are still watching you. They are watching what you do on social media regularly. Recruiting is hard. There are always a few kids that coaches are trying to choose between, and most of the time it is not a physical trait that catapults a recruit to the top of the list — it is a character trait.

Usually student-athletes hear all the negative sides of social media. Pieces of advice like “don’t post anything negative about your coach or team,” “don’t post any picture that looks like you could be making a bad choice when it comes to social settings,” “don’t post anything purposefully vague that makes it appear you are seeking attention” and “don’t post anything that you would be embarrassed for your grandmother to read aloud in church.”

While the don’t’s can be helpful, if you know a coach is checking your Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook regularly, why not find a way to use that to your advantage in the recruiting landscape? Here are five tips on what you should be posting to make a great impression on your future college coach:

1.     Your gratitude. You did not become a recruitable student-athlete without some help along the way. Likely at least one teacher, coach, sibling, teammate, or parent helped you get where you are. Use your social media voice to say thank you. Explain how they helped or are continuing to make an impact on your life. It shows future coaches that you know that you can’t do things alone and you recognize the help that you have had getting where you are.

Hashtags:       

#ThankfulThursday #AttitudeOfGratitude #AppreciationDay #GratefulHeart #ThankYou

2.     What you are doing to get better in the classroom. It is STUDENT-athlete for a reason. Take a moment and share something about one of your classes. Did something you are learning finally click? Do you have a big project due that you have a great idea for? Did you ace a test? Share it. You can talk about many things that show you are committed to life in the classroom, too, and also showcase that you have every intention of setting yourself up for a great career after softball.

Hashtags:        #Education #GrowthMindset #Math #Science #History #English #LifelongLearning #ChallengeYourself

3.     Show them that you are a student of the game too. There is so much softball on TV right now that you have a chance to increase your game knowledge even when you aren’t playing. Watch the game with a discerning eye. What are the commentators and coaches saying? What do you see happening on the field? Don’t just retweet a great play, but try and analyze some of the action. Does the pitcher have a great changeup? Talk about it! Did a fielder come back after an error to make a great catch? Mention that, too! Curious why a team chose to steal or bunt in a certain situation? Throw it out there (politely and inquisitively, of course)! Move beyond watching and start analyzing. Coaches always want student-athletes who can think the game.

Hashtags:       

#DidYouSeeThat #WhatWouldYouDo #AmazingStrategy #GreatAtBat #ClutchPlay #ThinkTheGame

4.     Leadership matters. Coaches want to know that the student-athletes they recruit have a set of leadership skills that will be beneficial to their teammates. There are a lot of ways to lead, and leading doesn’t mean cheering the loudest. Leading is providing an avenue for your team and teammates to get better. While some lead vocally, others lead by example. While some individuals lead on the field, others are great leaders in the weight room. Identify the great leaders you are working with and acknowledge the leadership skills they bring to the table, yourself included. This isn’t a way to brag on what you are doing, but rather a way to show you put the team first.

Hashtags:       

#ServantLeader #Motivation #LeadFromTheBack #LeadByExample #WalkTheTalk #TeamFirst

5.     Character matters. Above anything else, a college coach wants their team to be comprised of good people. There is a lot at stake for coaches, and the last thing any coach wants is to question an individual’s motives or intentions. Find ways to share what makes you who you are. Are you involved in volunteer work? Do you spend time in your community? Are you a part of a club or other organization that makes a positive impact? You can use your social-media platform to share stories, events, quotes, and more that reflect your beliefs as an individual and will help a coach understand who you are. It goes without saying, don’t exaggerate. Who you are is enough. Be proud of it.

Hashtags:       

#CharacterCounts #IntegrityAboveEverything #HonorTheGame #BeTheChange #RoleModel

There are many ways to showcase the whole you. Remember softball is a sport you play, it is not who you are. While social media is just one of these ways, it can be a powerful option for connecting with coaches.

So be yourself, post with a purpose, take a second to proofread, and if you have even the slightest doubt about posting it … you probably shouldn’t. Make sure you tag @NFCAorg, too, so we can see what you are up to!

About the NFCA

Established in 1983, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play. The national office, located in the Crescent Hill community of Louisville, Ky., moved to the Bluegrass State in 2012.

Although collegiate coaches comprised the majority of the organization's membership in the early days, today they are joined by high school, travel ball, professional and international coaches, along with umpires, clubs, businesses and fans of fastpitch softball. Growing from 40 members in 1983 to over 5,000 today, the NFCA boasts members from all 50 states and several international countries. There are many services offered to the membership. Highlighted by the All-America teams, the awards program is about recognizing student-athletes for their athletic and academic prowess and coaches for their contributions both on and off the field.

Education is one of the NFCA’s highest priorities. It hosts an annual National Convention in December, conducts eight coaches clinics and provides in-person and online educational classes (NFCC) to its members. The Association also runs collegiate tournaments and hosts skills and academic camps throughout the nation. Additionally, the NFCA works with USA Today in producing polls for NCAA Division I and high school softball as well as compiling NCAA Division II and Division III national polls.