My 07 will be attending a very well regarded camp this July. The camp, reportedly, has many colleges represented with scouts. My son was advised to bring lots of copies of his portfolio (including stats, bio, test scores and GPA) to this camp to distribute to any and all coaches. The advice went as far as to suggest that the portfolio should be in a plastic folder with a clear cover so that his picture/bio sheet is prominently displayed. Any thoughts on this much preparation? Is it necessary? And doesn't the camp (which costs $$$) distribute material on each player? Don't get me wrong: my son will do whatever it takes to get noticed. Just curious. Thanks!!

Very good question. Since, this is a camp and he is attending as an individual you might have some handy. You might have your son ask a coach if he is interested in a profile. If the coach is, then you can follow-up via mail, or hand him one.

If you are attending as a player of a team, then I would let my Coach handle this.

DON'T

if they like what they see they will contact you---

I really feel like I owe people here this little bit of info. You can agree or disagree, but hopefully it will be understood I'm only interested in helping.

I understand that often the word "market" is used a lot for creating opportunities. I agree 100% with what TR posted. No amount of "marketing" will change what people see. In fact, too much "marketing" can actually turn people off despite what they see.

The best possible approach is to get in front of the right people and show your ability. That should be all it takes to "market" your son, if he is "marketable".

Because of what we do, we talk to lots of college recruiters and scouts. Often, the over promoting parents become the topic of conversation. The comments made are not usually very flattering.

People can take that for what it's worth. It's meant to possibly help!

I'm really glad somebody responded to my question and I kind of feel like we should NOT be handing out portfolios so every single coach!! But this advice was given to my son by his baseball trainer..somebody we've trusted with recruiting questions in the past. My gut is that if the coaches have more questions, they can call and talk to my son or meet him face to face..no amount of printed information is going to really change their opinion. But how about transcripts/grades/test scores..those type of things? I absolutely do not want my son's reputation to be linked with "overpromoting parents" as we are NOT that way at all..we are trying to filter advice and take what's best for our son. I guess I should preface all this by saying that my son is not the most talkative guy and is incredibly quiet about his baseball skills. He is NOT a self-marketer at all..I believe the portfolio was suggested simply because the worry was that our son wouldn't say ANYTHING about himself. In anticipation, we've talked to him about speaking up and that it is not bragging or boasting when you talk about yourself positively...lots of good life lessons here, by the way.
I really appreciate everyone's candor.

He is a walking portfolio.

His performances are his portfolio. Coaches will follow up if they like what they "read".

Now what your son can do is keep in contact with schools HE is interested in and make sure he lets them know of his high interest in their program.

TR, PG, Bball,

All good points and very sound advise.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Newcomer:
But how about transcripts/grades/test scores..those type of things?

I would think for those they would ask if your son has registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse.