June 15th is Just the Start

June 15th is a big day in the college recruiting world. It’s the first date when Division I coaches can officially reach out to rising juniors, and for many families, it looms large. But while the hype around this day can feel overwhelming, it’s important to reframe what this moment really means.

I remember watching my daughter go through it last year. She’s a talented ECNL National player, a standout in high school, and someone we believed would be getting some attention. But leading up to that date, the pressure became immense. It felt like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Why? Because the expectation was that June 15th would be filled with phone calls, offers, and clarity.

The reality was far different.

What actually happened — and what I’ve since learned is quite common — is that most players don’t get a flood of phone calls. Some receive emails, sometimes even mass emails sent to a pool of athletes. A few will get calls. But the truth is, only the top recruits, the very top, are likely to get a wave of attention on Day One.

This doesn’t mean your athlete isn’t good. It just means this is a long process.

June 15th is simply a starting line. For most families, recruiting unfolds over the next 12 to 18 months. Sometimes it takes even longer. Last year, many top Power 4 Division I programs wrapped up their 2025 classes by January. But mid-major Division I programs, Division II, and Division III schools are still recruiting well into the following year.

So to every parent and athlete out there, take a breath. June 15th is important, but it is not the end-all, be-all. Let’s reset the narrative. Instead of seeing this date as a coronation, see it for what it is. It is an early checkpoint in a much longer journey.

Support your athlete not just by tracking emails and calls, but by helping them manage expectations, stay grounded, and keep perspective. Because mental health matters, and this process is a marathon. It is not a sprint.

One parent to another, I hope this helps.

Be well,

Ben

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