Recruiting Insights & Tips

TNS Blog

Expert advice, recruiting strategies, and success stories to help athletes navigate their college sports journey

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NEW
Jan 30, 2026 16 min read
2026 Recruiting Insights

What College Coaches Are Actually Looking For in 2026: Updated Recruiting Insights

College coaches evaluate thousands of athletes every recruiting cycle. Discover the 5 core qualities every coach wants—coachability, work ethic, academics, character & athletic ability—plus sport-specific insights from NCAA, NAIA & JUCO coaches. Learn what turns coaches off instantly and create your action plan to stand out in 2026.

Read the Complete Guide
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JUCO Pathway
Jan 24, 2026 22 min read

How to Navigate the JUCO Pathway as an International Athlete

The ultimate guide to junior college athletics for international students. Discover how JUCO can be your strategic route to NCAA Division I opportunities.

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Communication
Jan 15, 2026 18 min read

25 Essential Questions to Ask College Coaches During Phone Calls

Master your phone conversations with college coaches. Learn exactly what to ask about team fit, scholarships, academics, coaching style, international student support, and recruiting timelines.

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Featured
Jan 12, 2025 16 min read

Myths vs Reality in College Recruiting: The Honest Truth Every Student-Athlete Needs to Know

Debunking the biggest myths in college sports recruiting with raw, honest truth. Learn what really matters to college coaches, the reality of athletic scholarships, recruiting timelines, and more.

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Critical Strategy
Dec 26, 2024 10 min read

Keep the Momentum Going: Why International Athletes Can't Afford to Stop

The harsh truth every international student-athlete needs to hear: Your competition isn't taking breaks. Learn why maintaining momentum is critical for recruiting success.

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Critical Info
Dec 19, 2024 14 min read

How the Transfer Portal is Crushing High School Recruiting (And How to Fight Back)

The NCAA Transfer Portal has completely changed the game. Learn the honest truth about why roster spots are getting tighter and how to prove you're college-ready.

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Parents
Nov 27, 2025 20 min

International Parent's Guide to College Sports Recruiting: How to Actually Help Your Child

Complete guide for international parents navigating U.S. college sports recruiting. Learn the right way to support your child, avoid costly mistakes, understand NCAA eligibility, scholarship realities, visa requirements, and financial planning.

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International
Nov 20, 2025 18 min

How International Student-Athletes Actually Get Recruited: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how international athletes get recruited to US colleges. Complete guide covering NCAA eligibility, highlight videos, coach contact, and scholarships.

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Scholarships
Nov 14, 2025 15 min

Ultimate Guide to Grants & Scholarships for International Student-Athletes

Complete guide covering athletic scholarships, academic aid, external funding sources, early preparation strategies (ages 14-18), application tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

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Tips
Nov 5, 2025 10 min

10 Essential Tips for Getting Recruited to Play College Sports

Complete guide with 10 essential tips for getting recruited to play college sports, including insider strategies for student-athletes. Learn how to stand out from the competition.

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Tennis
Oct 28, 2025 15 min

Complete International Tennis Recruiting Guide: UTR, Rankings & Scholarships

Everything international tennis players need to know about college recruiting in the USA. Learn about UTR ratings, ITF/ATP/WTA rankings, NCAA eligibility, and scholarship opportunities.

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Soccer
Oct 12, 2025 5 min

How to Create a Standout Soccer Recruiting Video

Learn what college soccer coaches want to see in your highlight reel, from the optimal video length (3-5 minutes) to showcasing technical skills, game awareness, and positioning. Includes tips on filming angles, editing software, and what not to include.

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Basketball
Oct 10, 2025 6 min

NCAA Basketball Recruiting Timeline: What You Need to Know

Navigate the complex NCAA basketball recruiting calendar with key dates for official visits, early signing periods, and contact rules. Understand when coaches can reach out by division level and how to time your recruitment efforts for maximum impact.

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Tips
Oct 8, 2025 7 min

Building Your Athletic Resume: A Complete Guide

Create a professional athletic resume that impresses college coaches. Learn what to include: stats, awards, academic achievements, contact info, coach references, and tournament highlights. Download our free template and see real examples from recruited athletes.

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Hockey
Oct 5, 2025 5 min

How to Reach Out to College Hockey Coaches

Master the art of emailing college hockey coaches with proven templates and subject lines that get opened. Learn when to make first contact, what to include in your introduction, how to follow up professionally, and common mistakes to avoid in your outreach.

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Scholarships
Oct 3, 2025 9 min

Understanding Athletic Scholarships: NCAA, NAIA & JUCO

Compare scholarship opportunities across NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO programs. Understand equivalency vs. head-count scholarships, partial vs. full rides, academic requirements, and how to maximize your financial aid package through athletic and academic scholarships combined.

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Baseball
Oct 1, 2025 6 min

Baseball Recruiting: Showcases vs. Camps - Which is Better?

Decide between attending showcases or prospect camps for baseball recruiting. Compare costs, exposure opportunities, coaching interaction, and ROI. Learn which events attract the most college scouts and how to choose the right events based on your position, skill level, and target schools.

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Smiling guy lifting golden trophy as teammates cheer around. Excited young multiethnic team celebrating victory on field. Joyful group of school players looking up at golden trophy in unity.
Tips
Sep 28, 2025 7 min

A Day in the Life of a College Athlete

What international student-athletes can expect from their daily schedule balancing academics, athletics, and social life. Learn about early morning workouts, class schedules, practice sessions, study halls, and time management strategies that successful college athletes use.

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Training
Sep 25, 2025 6 min

Strength Training for Student-Athletes

Why weight training and strength conditioning are essential for international student-athletes looking to compete at the college level. Learn about periodization, injury prevention, sport-specific training, and how to develop a strength program that complements your sport.

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Academics
Sep 22, 2025 8 min

GPA vs. Standardized Testing for International Athletes

A comprehensive guide for international student-athletes comparing the importance of GPA versus standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) in college recruitment and admissions. Understand NCAA eligibility requirements and how to balance both academic metrics.

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Football
Sep 20, 2025 7 min

Breaking Down Football Position Groups: What Coaches Look For

Understand what college football coaches evaluate for each position group - from quarterbacks and offensive linemen to defensive backs and special teams. Learn the key metrics, physical attributes, and skills that make players stand out at each position during the recruiting process.

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Volleyball
Sep 18, 2025 6 min

Volleyball Recruiting: Club vs. High School - Which Matters More?

Discover why club volleyball often carries more weight in college recruiting than high school play. Learn about tournament exposure, club team rankings, playing up in age groups, and how to balance both commitments while maximizing your recruiting opportunities.

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Track & Field
Sep 15, 2025 7 min

Track & Field Recruiting: Times, Marks, and Standards

Navigate the recruiting standards for track and field events across different college divisions. Understand qualifying times for sprints, distance events, hurdles, and field event marks that attract college coaches' attention. Includes benchmarks for NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs.

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Two ice hockey players battling for puck control, showcasing intensity and focus in motion on 3D ice rink. Concept of competitive gaming, winter sports and strategic play
Hockey
Jan 9, 2026 12 min

The New NCAA Hockey Recruitment Landscape: Impact on Canadian University Hockey and International Players

How the evolving NCAA hockey recruitment landscape is reshaping Canadian university hockey and creating new challenges and opportunities for international players worldwide. Understand the shifting dynamics and what it means for your hockey career path.

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