This article by Bruce E. Brown of Proactive Coaching LLC explains how the most successful coaches look beyond talent when recruiting athletes. It details the small warning signs — during interviews, practices, and competition — that reveal an athlete's character and whether they will fit into a team culture with high standards, and lists the people around an athlete whom coaches should talk to.
Introduction
A recent conversation with a division one coach reminded me of the small things that make or break a recruiting visit for a potential team member. In general, coaches are the kind of leaders who are always looking for the good in people. But the most successful coaches are very careful who they bring to their team. They are choosing from thousands of talented high school players that are available all over the country. Talent is easy to see but great coaches also look beyond talent. They look for small things that indicate whether a talented player is going to fit into their intentionally established culture. They look for small things that reveal the character of the athlete. They need to look for the small things that allow big things to happen.