We’ve all heard stories in the past about school X using its networking advantages in the job market to help lure potential student athletes. “Come to our school and you will be set for life,” is the common sales pitch.
Joe Heskett, West Virginia University’s associate athletic director for sports performance, used to make a similar pitch when he was coaching at West Point.
“From a coaching perspective, the recruiting ‘sales pitch’ is typically the same. Coaches sit in the living rooms of the best recruits in the nation, look the prospect and guardians in their eyes and emphasize academics and preparation for life after college athletics.