Why This Matters for Your Athlete 🎯

If you’re the parent of a baseball or softball player in Long Island, chances are your athlete will attend (or has already attended) a college prospect camp. These events can be game-changers—literally—when it comes to playing at the next level. But most parents don’t realize that just showing up isn’t enough.

To get noticed—and remembered—your athlete needs a plan. And you, as their parent, play a crucial part in that.

🧠 Before the Camp: Prepare With Purpose

Preparation is everything. Here’s how to help your athlete stand out before they even step onto the field:

âś… Research the Program & Coaches

Look up the college ahead of time. Know what division they play in, what their recent record is, and who the coaching staff are. Have your athlete follow them on social media and read their bios.

âś… Email Coaches Before the Event

Have your athlete email the coaching staff 3–5 days before the camp. The message should include:

  • Their name, grad year, position(s)

  • A link to their highlight video

  • Why they’re interested in the school

  • A note saying they look forward to meeting them at the camp

Even if the coach doesn’t respond, this simple message puts your athlete on the radar.

🗣️ During the Camp: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Humble

This is where most athletes and parents make avoidable mistakes. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

âšľ For the Athletes:

  • Hustle everywhere — no walking, no slouching

  • Be vocal — encourage teammates and communicate on the field

  • Ask smart questions — if you don’t know something, show curiosity

  • Shake hands after — be the athlete who thanks the coaches with eye contact and a smile

👨‍👩‍👧 For the Parents:

  • Be present, but not pushy
    You’re there to support—not direct. Let your athlete take the lead.

  • Don’t coach from the sidelines
    This is your athlete’s time to shine and learn from new voices.

  • Respect the boundaries
    If there’s time to speak with coaches after, do it—briefly, professionally, and positively.

đź“ť After the Camp: Follow Up the Right Way

The biggest missed opportunity in recruiting is poor follow-up.

Encourage your athlete to:

  • Send a thank-you email to the coaches within 24–48 hours

  • Mention a specific detail from the camp (a drill, a conversation, something personal)

  • Attach updated video or metrics if available

  • Stay connected on social media and track that program

It shows maturity, professionalism, and genuine interest—all qualities coaches love.

đź’Ą Key Takeaways for Long Island Baseball & Softball Families

Whether you live in Holtsville, Smithtown, Nesconset, Islip, or anywhere across Suffolk and Nassau County, helping your athlete succeed at a college prospect camp is more than just registering them.

It’s about:
âś… Preparing ahead of time
âś… Teaching them how to carry themselves with confidence
âś… Supporting them from the background
âś… Reinforcing what they learned and following up like a pro

And remember: even if no offer comes from this one camp, the lessons, experience, and connections your athlete makes can shape their entire recruiting journey.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode of Raising Athletes

đź’¬ I talk more about this topic in-depth on the latest episode of my podcast, Raising Athletes.
🎙️ Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VL3NPH8GLf0?si=cTp2S825CVzKJ-3y

Let’s keep supporting our kids—and giving them every opportunity to succeed. 💪

📣 Parents of Long Island Athletes—Have Questions?

Drop them in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear what your experience with college camps has been like!

Posted in College Recruiting

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