Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start

“If I’m good enough, coaches will find me.”

False. This mindset crushes opportunities.

Water polo isn’t like football or basketball where scouts line the sidelines at every game. Coaches don’t have massive recruiting budgets or unlimited time. If you’re not on their radar, they won’t know you exist.

What to do instead:

• Start building your profile by 9th or 10th grade.
• Film every game. Save your best plays. Get comfortable sending emails.
• Don’t wait for junior year to start contacting coaches—it’s already late by then.

Pro Tip: D1 coaches can officially respond to you starting June 15 after sophomore year. Be in their inbox before that date.

Mistake #2: Sending Generic Emails

If your email looks like it was copy-pasted to 30 coaches, it’s going straight to the trash.

Coaches get dozens of emails a week. They’re not looking for spam, they’re looking for athletes who show real interest and stand out quickly.

What to do instead:

• Personalize your subject line: “2026 Lefty Driver – ODP Qualifier – [Your Name]”
• Include a short, well-written intro explaining why you’re interested in their program.
• Attach your highlight video and list your GPA, test scores, swim times, and achievements.

Most importantly: Follow up! If they don’t reply, it doesn’t mean they’re not interested. It means they’re busy. Staying consistent shows maturity and professionalism.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Academics

Coaches don’t just recruit athletes, they recruit student-athletes. If your grades aren’t up to par, it doesn’t matter how good you are in the water.

What to do instead:

• Keep your GPA above 3.5 to unlock both recruiting and scholarship opportunities.
• Prep for the SAT/ACT even if your target schools are test-optional—strong scores help.
• Ask your school counselor if you’re meeting NCAA core course requirements.

A good GPA gives coaches flexibility. It tells them you’ll be admitted easily and could qualify for academic scholarships, freeing up athletic aid for other players (which they love).

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The recruiting process is confusing. There’s a reason some athletes get noticed while others get overlooked—and it has nothing to do with raw talent.

At Prep2PlaySports, our athletes get:

• Personalized recruiting strategy sessions
• Highlight video review and editing
• 1-on-1 mentorship with current D1 players
• A proven roadmap built by people who’ve lived it