Is Your Recruiting Profile Ready for the New Year? Your December Checklist is Here.

Let’s be real—between holiday tournaments, final exams, and trying to actually enjoy your winter break, updating your recruiting profile probably feels like homework. But here’s the truth: while you’re sipping hot chocolate, college coaches are already planning for next season. Your inbox might be full of “Happy Holidays” messages, but theirs? They’re scanning databases, watching film, finalizing their 2026, and continuing to build their 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting lists.

Your recruiting profile isn’t just a digital resume—it’s your 24/7 representative. It works for you even when you’re asleep, at school, or totally offline. But if it’s outdated, messy, or incomplete? It might as well be invisible.

Don’t stress. You don’t need a whole day. You just need a plan. Grab your laptop, put on some holiday music, and let’s knock out this checklist together. By New Year’s Day, you’ll be ready to hit send with confidence.

Your December Recruiting Profile Checklist ✅

🎥 1. Your Highlight Video: The Main Attraction

This is the #1 thing coaches click. If your video isn’t current, nothing else matters.

• Trim the dead weight: Video should be 2-3 minutes MAX. Coaches are busy. Show your absolute best plays first.

• Recent footage only: If you’re still using clips from 14U, it’s time to update. Replace older clips with footage from fall ball, recent showcases, or even practice if it shows skill and hustle.

• Label everything: Each clip should be clearly titled (e.g., “Double to Right Center,” “Strikeout vs. Lefty,” “Bunt for Hit”).

• Pro tip: Use a smartphone tripod to film your practices. Stable footage looks 10x more professional.

📊 2. Stats & Accolades: The Proof

Anyone can say they’re good. Your stats prove it.

• Update your metrics: Exit velocity, pop time, home-to-first, pitching velocity—if you’ve got new PRs, add them now.

• List fall/academic awards: All-Conference, Academic Honor Roll, MVP of a recent tournament—it all counts.

• Be honest: Don’t inflate your numbers. Coaches notice.

📝 3. Your Bio: Tell Your Story

Coaches recruit people, not just players. Your bio is your chance to show who you are.

• Write in first person: “I am a slap-hitting outfielder with a love for the game” sounds more genuine than third-person.

• Include the intangibles: Mention your leadership, work ethic, or team-first mentality.

• Academic interests: List your desired major or academic interests. It shows you’re serious about school too.

📅 4. Your Schedule: What’s Next?

Tell coaches where they can see you play live.

• Post your spring schedule: Even if it’s tentative, get your tournament dates and locations listed.

• Include jersey number & team name: Make it easy for a coach to spot you in the dugout.

🎓 5. Academics: Don’t Get Filtered Out

Many coaches start their search by filtering for GPA and test scores. Don’t let a blank field hide you.

• Update your GPA: List your most recent cumulative GPA.

• Test scores: Include your SAT/ACT scores if you have them. If not, note when you plan to test.

• Re-upload your transcript: Ask your counselor for an updated unofficial transcript and upload it.

📸 6. The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

• Profile photo: Make sure it’s recent, clear, and you’re in uniform. No sunglasses, no group pics.

• Contact info: Is your email and phone number correct? Is your club/high school coach’s info listed and current?

• Video links: Double-check that your highlight video link works and isn’t set to private.

You’ve Got This 👊

Think of this not as one more chore, but as a gift you’re giving your future self. An hour or two of focus this December can open doors all spring long.

When that coach finally clicks on your profile, you want them to see the complete, confident, and current athlete you are—not who you were six months ago.

Now go update that profile, then go enjoy those holiday cookies. You’ve earned them.