Being able to play your sport year-round has many advantages in the college recruiting process. College coaches want to see that you are dedicated enough to your sport that you continue to train year-round. It’s not enough to be a part of your high school team anymore. Serious high school recruits are playing year-round with club and travel teams.
Depending on where you go to high school, you are limited in how you will get exposure to colleges. While it may be great to be the star of your high school team, if you aren’t competing against other top schools or athletes, coaches will have a difficult time knowing how you will fit in at the college level.
Signing up for a club or travel team allows you new opportunities for more experience in high level competition. Most club teams require a fee, which means those willing to pay to be a part of the team are also serious about the sport and dedicated to the team. Playing for a club team means you are competing during your high school team’s off season. Working on your athletic skills and staying in shape throughout the year will help you maintain your strengths and help develop your weaknesses.
Joining a club team also gives you an opportunity to work with other coaches who can give you new insights into your game and help you grow stronger as a player. Playing your sport year-round is very beneficial and college coaches look favourably upon high school athletes who commit to doing so.