The Sports Life: Five Things College Coaches Watch–That You May Not Expect

Every parent wants to believe it’s the big stats that get their kid noticed. Goals scored. Times run. Big plays made under pressure. Sure, those things matter. But if you spend any time listening to college coaches talk behind the fence, you hear a different story. 

Here’s what they’re really watching for:

1. Body language when things don’t go your way.
Coaches notice how an athlete reacts when they make a mistake or get subbed out. Do they hang their head? Slam their racket? Or do they regroup, stay engaged and get ready for the next play? How your kid handles failure says more than any highlight reel.

2. How they treat their teammates.
When a player is on the bench, do they sulk in the corner, or do they stay vocal and supportive? After a goal, do they celebrate with the team or make it about themselves? Character stands out. Coaches want good people as much as they want good athletes.

3. Effort when no one’s looking.
Some kids go 100% in warm-ups. Some walk through drills and only show up when the whistle blows. Coaches see who works hard at the edges. Hustle off the court , chase every loose ball, fight for rebounds. That’s the stuff that sticks.

4. Coachability.
A college coach will watch how an athlete listens to their current coach. Do they make eye contact? Do they nod and adjust? Or do they roll their eyes? No one wants to recruit a kid who thinks they know it all.

5. The parents.
Yes, they’re watching you too. Are you berating the ref? Coaching from the stands? Complaining about playing time? College coaches want families that won’t bring drama into their locker rooms.

Your kid’s talent might get a coach’s attention. But their attitude and effort will close the deal–or not.

And parents, don’t be afraid to have the tough conversation. If you see lazy warm-ups, bad body language, or a selfish play, call it out. It could be the difference between getting recruited and getting overlooked. You’re not just raising an athlete, you’re raising a teammate, a leader and a person coaches want in their program.

The good news? These are the things your kid can control. Every practice. Every game. Every time they step on the field.

Leah Jantzen is a mental performance and mental health coach, high school guidance counselor and elite endurance athlete. She’s competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and is a multi-time Boston Marathon finisher. Leah is a mom of four kids who play school and club sports and is launching Still in the Game, a community and podcast for active moms. She can be reached at  headcoachleah@gmail.com.