Most Common Sports Scholarship Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Submitting a low-quality recruiting video 

“The recruiting video is often your first impression,” Sandy explains. “A shaky camera, poor lighting, or bad angles can turn off coaches.” This is one of the biggest mistakes athletes make. Your video doesn’t need to be professionally produced, but it should be clear, focused, and showcase your strongest moments. Match footage is especially important, so don’t rely on training clips. 

2. Talking about scholarships too soon 

Everyone wants to know about scholarships, but timing is everything. “Jumping straight to scholarship questions during a call can come across as transactional,” Sandy says. “Build a connection first—show interest in the team, program, and school before discussing financials.” Coaches want to work with student-athletes who are passionate about the sport and the university, not just the funding. 

3. Starting the process too late 

One of the biggest pitfalls is waiting too long. “Some athletes start too late. Coaches fill rosters early, especially at competitive levels,” Sandy points out. He recommends getting started 18 to 24 months before graduation. This gives you time to create your profile, gather footage, and prepare all paperwork, without the stress of doing it during final exams.

4. Not staying in touch with coaches

Mario Picazo highlights another crucial mistake: poor communication. “Some athletes let too much time pass without responding to a coach,” he explains. “Communication is key—you can’t receive an offer and then say nothing for days or weeks.” Coaches expect athletes to be responsive and engaged. Delayed replies can make them think you’re not interested, and they may move on to another recruit.

5. Not keeping your profile up to date

According to Mario, keeping your recruiting profile fresh is just as important as making a good first impression. “It’s important to keep updating your videos and results so your profile stays as up to date as possible,” he says. Coaches want to see your recent performances, not footage or stats from a year ago. Regular updates show that you’re active, improving, and serious about your sport.