Amanda Reckamp was recently named the new head softball coach at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). During her first season of 2018-2019, she worked hard to revamp the Dragons softball team. Under Reckamp's guidance, the Dragons were able to break the doubles record in mid-April.
Reckamp coached at Grinnell College for eight seasons. In 2018, she guided the team to an impressive 41 records with 24 overall wins 12 conference wins and qualifying for the MWC Tournament for the first time in 12 years. Coach Reckamp gives recruiting advice to athletes.
2aDays: What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Coach Reckamp: Persistence and communication in the recruiting process.
2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Coach Reckamp: Filling out our recruiting questionnaire and then following up with an email and/or phone call. Don't be afraid to follow up.
2aDays: When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
Coach Reckamp: After freshman year of high school – that summer. Email and phone. Utilize all communication avenues with a coach if you really want to go to that school. Stand out from all other recruits that are trying to reach out to me.
2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?
Coach Reckamp: In the classroom – be on top of your work and the academic resources around you. Ask questions, seek out best practices for being successful in the classroom. In the weight room and on the field – be hungry to always get better. Don't expect that everything will come easy for you; work to be the best version of you every time you hit the weights or the field.
2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Coach Reckamp: Do – be prepared with questions; do your homework on the school, coach, and program you are interested in; make time to visit the school; be persistent with communication. Don'ts – do not be afraid to tell a coach when you have moved on from being interested in their school, honesty in the process is huge; don't expect a coach to be at every single game or tournament you have – if we are interested you will know we are interested and that may not result in us traveling to every tournament – we recruit nationally; don't go long periods of time without touching base, otherwise we may move on.
2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Coach Reckamp: Be real, be honest, and put yourself out there.
2aDays: What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Reckamp: Good form, even if there are mistakes. I expect to have to develop every player that comes in my program, regardless of the talent/skill they have coming in, as for feedback from the coach that is recruiting you. I appreciate the honesty. If they say you are great at everything, ask for more.
2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Reckamp: Do – show your best skills; Don't: go over 3 or 4 minutes
2aDays: When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during offseason, in the middle of the season, or after each game?
Coach Reckamp: Whenever you have it, send it.
2aDays: What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Coach Reckamp: If your dream school turned you down, then it isn't your dream school. Work hard to get a mutual interest in the recruiting process. Look for a coach, program, and school that will push you to become the best you can be. In terms of options, ask that school or coach why they aren't interested so you can work to gain interest elsewhere. At the next schools, you look at, be honest with the coach, and say, hey, I got turned down at X school, and I really want to know what I can do to get on your list. That shows you have grit and are willing to work hard.
2aDays: How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Coach Reckamp: I don't look a ton at social media, but my team does. When they know we have a recruit, they are searching to find out more about who you are. And if they find something not so good, they do tell me, and when you come to visit, they may have a preconceived opinion that may not be the real you. Promote yourself in the best light on social media. Personal branding can be the best thing or the worst thing for you when it comes to social media.
* Originally published on November 11, 2019, by 2aDays Staff
