"More than 100 college coaches will be there!"
That's what convinced a family to spend $2,000 on a major showcase.
- Travel and food costs
- Hotel stays
- Registration fees
Their daughter played five games in three days.
There were multiple coaches on the sideline, but most left at or before half-time.
Total coach interaction time: Zero minutes.
Meanwhile, another family spent $200 on a single-day college clinic where:
- Their daughter worked directly with five college coaches
- She experienced their coaching methods
- They saw how she responded to instruction
Total coach interaction time: Three hours.
The Exposure Reality
Major showcases serve a useful purpose.
- Players can be seen by multiple programs
- Coaches can evaluate many recruits
- Everyone saves time and travel costs
But here's what most families miss: these events are just one piece of the puzzle.
With games on the hour, every hour across up to 16 fields, coaches can't give every player their full attention. It's physically impossible.
These events are efficient for first looks and building watch lists. But they're not great for building relationships or showing your full potential.
Yet too many families only chase these big events. More games. More coaches. More exposure. Less actual connection.
The most successful recruits understand: showcases matter, but they're not enough on their own.
If it's the only type of event you go to, you are missing a trick.
Beyond Numbers
It's not just about how many coaches are there. It's about the quality of interaction possible.
It's not just about how many games you play. It's about whether meaningful evaluation happens.
It's not just about maximum exposure. It's about memorable moments.
One Thing That Works
Before registering for any event, ask: "Will I get actual time with coaches from schools I'm targeting, or just play in front of them?"
Sometimes three hours of direct coaching beats three days of distant observation.
Reality Check
You don't need to be at every event.
You need to be at the right events.
But knowing which ones are "right" requires a framework.
Want my complete Event Management Matrix? Next month, I'll launch The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook, which includes my comprehensive system for evaluating and selecting the right events, plus specific strategies for maximizing your return on investment at each type of recruiting opportunity.
P.S. Next week, I'll explore why more schools on your list actually means fewer opportunities.
