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DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS: First and foremost, you need to be a skilled baseball player. This requires consistent practice and dedication to improving your skills. Consider working with a coach who can help you refine your technique and understand the game at a deeper level.
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PLAY IN HIGH SCHOOL AND CLUB LEAGUES: Participating in high school and club baseball gives you experience, exposure, and a platform to demonstrate your skills. Coaches often scout for talent at these games, and it's a great opportunity to get noticed.
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ACADEMICS MATTER: Maintain strong grades. College coaches look for athletes who can succeed in the classroom as well as on the field. Good grades and test scores can also open up more opportunities for academic scholarships.
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ATTEND BASEBALL CAMPS AND SHOWCASES: These events can be a great way to get exposure to college coaches. You'll also receive valuable training and advice on improving your skills.
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CREATE A HIGHLIGHT VIDEO: A well-made highlight video can catch a coach's attention. It should showcase your batting, fielding, and (if applicable) pitching skills. Include your best plays, but also include routine plays performed well to show your consistency.
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REACH OUT TO COACHES: Proactively reaching out to college coaches can make a big difference. Send them an introductory email with your baseball resume, highlight video, and a schedule of your upcoming games. Remember to follow any NCAA contact rules.
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GET A SKILLS EVALUATION: A third-party skills evaluation can give you an objective sense of where your skills stand compared to other recruits.
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UNDERSTAND THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND DEADLINES: The recruitment process has specific rules and timelines. Understanding these can help you plan your efforts more effectively. The NCAA has resources to help student-athletes navigate this process.
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USE SOCIAL MEDIA: You can use social media platforms to post your highlights, share updates about your games, and showcase your commitment to the sport. Tag or mention relevant teams and institutions, but always remember to keep it professional.
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KEEP OPTIONS OPEN: Don't focus solely on Division I schools. Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior colleges also offer competitive baseball programs and may offer you more playing time and scholarships.