smokeminside posted:
The takeaway for me was if a kid clicks with a coach, even if he may not end up playing for him, it can lead to good things.
This is so true. We took my son's friend, a 2018, to a camp with us and he really wowed the coach. The next day, friend comes along as we meet with HC (weird, I know, but suffice to say it was a unique relationship). HC told the friend flat out, I don't have any money for you, but you're good, If you would come here without money you would play. But if you don't want to do that, tell me. I will help you find a spot.
He then proceeded to give the boy a 10-minute speech on how he should approach his recruiting process, specific skills he needed to work on, etc. It has made a huge difference in this kid's view of himself and his skills, and it was a totally generous act on the part of the coach.