8: Recruiting Secrets Every Athlete Should Know — Insights from a D1 Coach
In this episode, Susan sits down with Aquiles Montoya, Head Coach at Cal State Northridge, to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process.
From what catches a coach’s eye, to how they evaluate players, to the biggest mistakes athletes make in their emails, Coach Montoya gives candid, insider advice you won’t find on a recruiting website. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and strategy.
Chapters
00:00 – Meet Coach Montoya + his journey to becoming Head Coach at CSUN
02:30 – How recruiting differs between D1, D2, and D3
05:15 – What coaches really look for in highlight videos
08:00 – The difference between interest and a real recruiting relationship
10:45 – Email mistakes that get athletes ignored
13:00 – How much academics really matter
15:30 – Why personality and communication skills are huge for recruiting
18:15 – The impact of social media on recruiting decisions
21:00 – When to follow up with coaches (and how often)
24:00 – Why playing at the right level matters more than chasing a logo
27:15 – The best way to stand out at showcases and tournaments
30:00 – How to know if a program is truly the right fit for you
32:45 – Coach Montoya’s final advice to athletes and parents
Connect with Coach Montoya
Instagram: @aquilesthethird
CSUN IG: @csunwomensvb
Website: https://gomatadors.com/sports/womens-volleyball
Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
www.rallysend.com
Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time.
Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
More description
In this episode, Susan sits down with Aquiles Montoya, Head Coach at Cal State Northridge, to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process.
From what catches a coach’s eye, to how they evaluate players, to the biggest mistakes athletes make in their emails, Coach Montoya gives candid, insider advice you won’t find on a recruiting website. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and strategy.
Chapters
00:00 – Meet Coach Montoya + his journey to becoming Head Coach at CSUN
02:30 – How recruiting differs between D1, D2, and D3
05:15 – What coaches really look for in highlight videos
08:00 – The difference between interest and a real recruiting relationship
10:45 – Email mistakes that get athletes ignored
13:00 – How much academics really matter
15:30 – Why personality and communication skills are huge for recruiting
18:15 – The impact of social media on recruiting decisions
21:00 – When to follow up with coaches (and how often)
24:00 – Why playing at the right level matters more than chasing a logo
27:15 – The best way to stand out at showcases and tournaments
30:00 – How to know if a program is truly the right fit for you
32:45 – Coach Montoya’s final advice to athletes and parents
Connect with Coach Montoya
Instagram: @aquilesthethird
CSUN IG: @csunwomensvb
Website: https://gomatadors.com/sports/womens-volleyball
Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
www.rallysend.com
Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time.
Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
Listen elsewhere
Available Results
Generated results are saved to your library for reuse and search.