What College Coaches Really Look for in Track and Field Recruits

Every year, I receive hundreds of emails, direct messages, questionnaires, and recruiting profiles from prospective student-athletes who dream of competing at the collegiate level. One of the most common questions I hear is:

"Coach, what are college coaches really looking for?"

Most people assume recruiting is all about times and marks. While performance certainly matters, it is only one piece of a much bigger picture.

As a Division I Head Coach, I can tell you that the athletes who earn scholarships, travel opportunities, leadership roles, and long-term success often separate themselves in ways that don't show up on a results sheet.

Here is what college coaches are truly evaluating.

1. Performance Matters—But Context Matters More

Yes, we look at your personal bests.

We compare them to conference scoring standards, NCAA qualifying marks, and the needs of our current roster. However, we also evaluate the story behind those performances.

We ask questions such as:

• How long have you been training seriously?

• Are you still improving?

• How did you compete in major competitions?

• Were your performances achieved under a similar training philosophy?

• Is there room for improvement?

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A sophomore running 54 seconds in the 400 meters with significant room for development may be more attractive than an older athlete who has plateaued.

Coaches recruit potential just as much as production.

2. Character Is a Competitive Advantage

Talent may get you noticed.

Character determines whether coaches trust you.

We pay close attention to:

• How you treat teammates.

• How you communicate with adults.

• Your response to adversity.

• Whether you accept coaching.

• How you handle disappointment.

• Whether you consistently do the right thing when no one is watching.

• How self sufficient are you away from your parents. 

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The fastest athlete isn't always the one we recruit.

The athlete who elevates the culture often is.

A negative attitude can disrupt an entire team. A positive leader can transform one.

3. Academics Open Doors

Grades matter.

More than many recruits realize.

Strong academics can:

• Increase admissions flexibility.

• Create eligibility security.

• Unlock academic scholarships.

• Reduce financial barriers.

• Demonstrate discipline and responsibility.

Coaches want athletes who can manage both the classroom and the track.

Your transcript tells us as much about you as your athletic résumé.

4. Coachability Is Non-Negotiable

One of the greatest compliments I can give an athlete is this:

"They are coachable."

Coachable athletes:

• Listen without becoming defensive.

• Apply feedback quickly.

• Ask thoughtful questions.

• Trust the training process.

• Embrace accountability.

• Continue learning.

At the collegiate level, everyone was successful in high school.

The athletes who continue to improve are usually the ones willing to adapt.

5. We Recruit People, Not Just Athletes

Parents are often surprised by how much time coaches spend evaluating personality.

Think about it:

We travel together.

We practice together.

We compete together.

We celebrate together.

We navigate adversity together.

We are inviting someone into our family environment for four to five years.

That decision extends beyond performance.

We ask ourselves:

• Will this athlete represent our university well?

• Will they contribute positively to team culture?

• Will they make those around them better?

Those questions matter.

6. Communication Matters

Recruiting is a two-way relationship.

Athletes who stand out:

• Respond promptly.

• Write professional emails.

• Follow instructions.

• Complete questionnaires.

• Return phone calls.

• Express genuine interest.

  
  

The recruiting process itself becomes an evaluation.

If an athlete struggles to communicate during recruiting, coaches wonder how they will manage responsibilities once they arrive on campus.

Professionalism matters.

7. We Want Competitors

Track and field is an individual sport performed within a team environment.

We look for athletes who:

• Rise to big moments.

• Embrace competition.

• Refuse to quit.

• Respond after setbacks.

• Compete every repetition in practice.

• Find ways to contribute to team success.

Times and marks can improve.

Competitive toughness is much harder to teach.

8. Find the Right Fit—Not Just the Biggest Name

This may be the most important advice I can give.

Choose the place where you can thrive.

Ask yourself:

• Does this coaching staff believe in me?

• Can I develop here?

• Will I receive the support I need academically?

• Can I contribute to the team's goals?

• Do I trust the culture?

• Can I see myself here when track becomes difficult?

The "best" school isn't always the school with the biggest logo.

The best school is the one where you can become the best version of yourself.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting is about much more than times, heights, and distances.

College coaches are searching for student-athletes who combine talent with character, discipline with humility, and ambition with accountability.

Be the athlete who shows up consistently.

Be coachable.

Take academics seriously.

Communicate professionally.

Compete with heart.

If you do those things, opportunities will come.

And when they do, don't simply ask, "Who wants me?"

Ask, "Where can I grow, contribute, and build a meaningful legacy?"

That answer will often lead you exactly where you're meant to be.

— Coach Shareese Hicks

Head Coach, Division I Track & Field & Cross Country

Founder, Hicks Elite Training Services