The first thing to keep in mind is that recruiting is not the same as scouting.

Scouting companies and coaches find athletic talent that colleges are seeking in order to recruit prospects. The NCAA allows only college personnel to do actual recruiting of student athletes, and it’s a violation for anyone else to engage in college recruiting.

Now that we’ve got that straight we can head toward the rocky waters of answering the title question: Can playing on a losing team upset your chances for recruitment?

The bad news first

You will have to work harder if you’re a talented athlete who plays on a losing or weak team. But sometimes you just can’t control the hand you’re dealt.

If you’ve recently relocated with your family to a new city or part of the country, you may find that while you were a shining star at your former school, now you’re an unknown big fish in a small pond for your new team.

Perhaps it’s harder to gain the spotlight from the media and your new team really doesn’t care that much about winning. It is quite an enormous hurdle to conquer, but don’t lose heart because there are always options.

There are always options

Athletes sometimes consider transferring to another high school that has a winning team. This is a colossal decision for both you and your parents, and you need to keep in mind that just because the other team is winning this year doesn’t guarantee they will next year.

This decision also can impact travel time, a new set of peers and teachers and a new school environment. Before you choose a decision as important as this, make absolutely sure that the transfer is in your best interest and will present better opportunities, both educationally and athletically.

Answer these questions first:

• Will you have access to better coaches?
• Does the athletic department offer higher quality training opportunities?
• Will it truly increase your chances of being recruited?
• Will my educational opportunities increase?

Remember, while you may be a star athlete now, you are still an individual who will need to make a living long after you stop playing sports, so education should be the No. 1 priority. 

The best option

In the end, it’s usually best to stand out for whatever team you find yourself playing for. If you have no other option than to play on a losing team, demonstrate leadership and ensure your skill level is top-notch.

Coaches and scouts look for leadership qualities. They seek out players who demonstrate that they can lead their teams toward better skills and training, greater motivation, and a faster bounce back after defeat. These are the players are stand out. If coaches do not see the potential recruit stepping up to lead his team to surpass their capabilities or stepping up to use his talents to help the team win, then the student can expect his chances of being recruited to diminish.

One thing to keep in mind; a losing team that is playing other teams who are mediocre at best can have a negative impact on your recruitment chances. However, if you’re on a weak team who plays well against tough competition, that will have a more positive impact.

The bottom line

So, will playing on a losing team upset my likelihood of being recruited? You’ve read the options and you’ve talked about it with your coach. Now, the choice lies in your hands. The “Kung Fu” classic TV show star from the 70s, Master Po, always stated to his student, Kwai Chang Caine, “Choose wisely young grasshopper.”

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback at Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness content writer. She writes championship content for pro athletes, coaches, sports agents, sports psychologists, fitness professionals and transformation/success coaches. Her writing includes websites, e-newsletters, e-workbooks, brochures, press releases, blog articles and book development. Let’s call an audible for your next writing project that moves you from the red zone into the end zone.