A two-hour clinic on campus can tell coaches more about you than three days at a showcase.
Not because you have more time with the ball. But because they get to see how you:
- Respond to their coaching
- Handle new information
- Interact with others
- Approach challenges
- Carry yourself
Most players miss these opportunities completely.
The Campus Advantage
College clinics and camps give you something showcases can't:
- Direct coaching from the staff
- Experience with their methods
- Feel for their expectations
- Taste of their culture
- Sense of their standards
But only if you show up prepared.
Before The Event
Most players focus only on getting there on time, having the right gear, and being physically ready.
If you want to go above and beyond, watch a recent game in the car on the way to campus. See if you can spot any defining features of their style of play.
If they're a coaching staff worth their salt, they'll use the clinic to teach you a principle of play or a selection of technical skills they value.
You might be able to draw parallels between that and what you've seen - and show them why it's important to you too.
During The Event
Every exercise is an evaluation. Every interaction matters. Every moment counts.
College coaches notice:
- How quickly you adapt
- Whether you ask questions
- How you handle confusion
- If you help others
- What energy you bring
These moments reveal if you're ready for their level.
After The Event
If you enjoyed the clinic, write a follow-up email a few days later.
Share what your favorite part of it was, or something specific you learned that you plan to add to your game.
You might get the chance to briefly do this in person at the end of the event, but write the email either way if you want to increase your chances of being remembered positively.
Reality Check
You're not just being evaluated on your skills.
You're being assessed on your coachability and attitude.
Make every minute matter.
Want my complete framework for maximizing every type of recruiting event? The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook includes specific strategies for making the most of campus clinics, camps, and every other recruiting opportunity.
