ID Camps: What College Coaches Actually Look For
March 2026
You paid 200 dollars. You drove three hours. You played your heart out. Then you got in the car and drove home. And you never heard from the coach again. What happened?
I have been on both sides of ID camps. as a recruit and as an evaluator. Here is what coaches are actually looking for. Coachability: can you take instruction and implement it immediately? When the coach adjusts your positioning during a drill, do you nod and adjust or look confused? I have seen average players get recruited over more talented ones because they were easier to coach.
The pre-camp email matters more than you think. Most athletes register and show up. The smart ones send this three sentences before the camp: "Coach, I am registered for your camp. What will the evaluation focus on for a center back who would fit your program?" The coach now knows your name before you step on the field. Huge advantage.
Body language is everything. Coaches watch everything. The athlete who is early to every station, vocal, and focused stands out. The one who saves their energy gets noticed for the wrong reasons. And the 24-hour follow-up: most athletes skip this. Send within 24 hours: "Coach, great camp. I focused on what you mentioned. What are my next steps?" Three sentences that prove you listened and open a conversation. ID camps are not tryouts. They are interviews. Show up prepared.
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