Avoiding “Happy Ears” in Recruitment

When you’re reaching out to coaches, it’s easy to get caught up in “happy ears”—assuming a positive response means you’re close to an offer. For example, an email saying, “We’re interested and tracking you,” can feel like a big win, but it’s often just a template response. What really matters are actions: phone calls, invites, or visits.

Stay realistic about your chances. Even if a coach seems interested, it’s smart to assume there’s still work to do. For example, if they’re comparing you to one other player, that’s a 50-50 chance—not a guarantee.

Until you have a formal offer, keep putting in the work. Build your list, expand to other divisions, and focus on creating more opportunities. Recruitment is a numbers game, and every small effort adds up. Celebrate progress, but don’t let it slow you down. Stay focused, and the results will follow.

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