You’ve probably heard it before: “Coaches look at your social media.” And yeah, it’s true. But not because they’re trying to catch you doing something wrong.
It’s because when a college program is recruiting you, they’re not just evaluating your stats or your film—they’re trying to understand who you are.
Here’s why it matters
Getting recruited means joining something that already exists—a culture, a locker room, a reputation. Coaches work hard to build that environment, and they want to make sure every new player adds to it, not complicates it.
That’s why they check your socials. It gives them a better sense of how you carry yourself, how you treat people, what kind of presence you’d bring to their team.
They want to know: Does this athlete reflect the kind of culture we’re building here? That’s really what it comes down to.
This is one thing you can control
There’s a lot in the recruiting process that’s out of your hands. Playing time, exposure, what a coach is looking for in a given year—none of that’s guaranteed. But how you present yourself online? That’s all you.
A thoughtful clean-up doesn’t mean you’re faking anything. It just shows that you understand the opportunity you’re chasing, and you’re serious about it.
A Social Media Clean-Up Checklist For Recruits
Take a little time to scroll through your posts, stories, bios, and tagged content. If anything falls into these categories, it’s worth considering whether it really needs to be public.
Stuff to delete or archive:
Posts that show or reference alcohol, drugs, or vaping
Even indirectly. You don’t want something small to become a question mark.
Inappropriate language or inside jokes that could be misread
What makes sense to your friends might not land the same way to a coach.
Negativity or trash talk
Whether it’s about teammates, coaches, opponents, or anyone else—this is one of the fastest ways to raise concerns about your attitude.
Inappropriate or suggestive stuff
If the thought of your grandma or parents seeing it makes you cringe, take it down.
Drama, arguments, or anything that could stir up controversy
Coaches want players who bring focus—not distractions—to their programs.
Any signs of entitlement or excuses
Posts like “Coach benched me for no reason” or “Politics in this program are wild” might feel like venting, but they read as red flags to people who don’t know the full story—and coaches don’t have time to investigate every context.
Stuff to keep (or at least not worry about):
Having a life outside of sports
You don’t need to be one-dimensional. Hanging with friends, being funny, having hobbies—all good.
Being yourself, respectfully
You don’t need to become someone you’re not. Just make sure what’s out there reflects what you’d want a future coach (or teammate) to see.
Don’t forget the details
Check your bios, usernames, and tagged photos. And yes, Google yourself. You might be surprised what comes up—and it’s better that you see it before a coach does.
Final thought
This isn’t about being perfect or putting on an act. It’s about understanding that when you’re being recruited, you’re being considered for more than just your ability on the field.
The way you carry yourself online is part of your story—just like your game film, your grades, and your conversations with coaches. So take the time to make sure it tells the story you want it to.
