They say that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and at RecruitSync, we like to say that “it takes a village to navigate recruiting.” While that might sound like an exaggeration, it holds a lot of truth. The recruiting journey involves a wide range of people—parents, high school coaches, personal trainers, and more—each emotionally and often financially invested in the athlete’s success.

But here’s the challenge: success doesn’t always mean the same thing to everyone.

When the members of an athlete’s “village” are pulling in different directions because they believe their version of success is the right one, it often leads to unnecessary stress, poor decision-making, and strained relationships. That’s why alignment—between the athlete, parents, and coach—is so important. Building that alignment helps everyone work together toward what’s truly best for the athlete, both in the short term and long term.

From the Player Perspective

First off, it’s a blessing to have people who care deeply about you and your success. Not every athlete is fortunate enough to have that kind of support network. But it can also be overwhelming when too many voices are telling you what to do or what path to take.

It’s important to recognize that some people, even with good intentions, might have motives that don’t perfectly align with your best interest. For example, a coach may want to send players to the biggest schools possible to build their own reputation, even if that isn’t the best personal or developmental fit for you as an athlete.

That’s why you should lean on the people who care not just about your athletic achievements but about your success in life—your parents. They’re usually the ones who see the bigger picture and want what’s best for you beyond sports. Being aligned with them is one of your greatest advantages. They can help you stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and navigate the pressures of recruiting with clarity.

At the end of the day, your parents are your biggest advocates for your lifetime success, not just your athletic one. So communicate with them openly, listen to their perspective, and make sure you’re on the same page.

Bringing it All Together

The recruiting process is complex, emotional, and sometimes chaotic—but when the athlete, parents, and coaches work together in alignment, it becomes a lot more manageable and far more rewarding. The key is open communication and mutual respect.

Coaches should focus on guiding athletes based on fit, growth, and opportunity rather than prestige alone. Parents should provide emotional support and perspective, helping their child make decisions that align with long-term goals and well-being. And athletes should take ownership of their journey while staying grounded by the people who know them best.

When everyone is moving in the same direction—with the athlete’s holistic success as the priority—the “village” becomes not just supportive, but powerful. At RecruitSync, that’s the kind of alignment we aim to foster every day: a united front built on trust, understanding, and shared purpose.

At RecruitSync, we understand how stressful this journey can be for athletes and their families. If you or your child need guidance, have questions, or just want someone to talk through the options with—we’re here to help.

Feel free to reach out to me directly at jared@recruitsync.net. I’d love to support you in any way I can.