I am going to a headfirst showcase in August and I was wondering if that is too late for the D3 process. Also, what sorts of things should I do leading up to it all besides the normal prep in terms of fundementals?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You need to look at the coaches/schools that will be there and select a group to target before you go there. My 2017 C/RP contacted about 8 coaches about 7-10 days before the event and e-mailed them his fundamentals (Pop time/FB velocity and ACT/SAT scores) and a link to a video. Some replied before he arrived but all of them he followed up and introduced himself in person at the event. He also brought a copy of his HS transcript to give to any coach who asked for them. Don't just show up hoping to be noticed.
There is always the chance a school/coach not on your initial list may like you and reach out to you at the event or shortly afterward. So unless you are sure where you want to go, keep your options open and be sure to reply promptly to any interest. You never know where your best combination of school, financial assistance and playing options will be.
August is not too late for D3, but remember that they will be sorting out lists of prospects in late August and moving quickly on players they are interested in. Keep your Sept/Oct weekends open to go visit campuses and watch teams practice--helps you size up the competition and watch the coaches in action. Good luck!
Going on the assumption that you are currently a junior in HS, August is definitely not too late for D3. Three of the D3s my son was talking with were still making decisions into, and through, February of this year (2019 committed early March). As Backstop said, get a good idea of the schools/coaches that will be there that you are interested in and try to get some dialog going (measurables, grades/scores, video). If you're fortunate enough to get a conversation going, don't be reluctant to ask questions about their program; what their needs are, team culture, coaching philosophies, expectations for athletes, and what it takes to play there. Let them know the HF session you will be attending and that you want to make sure to connect with them there. As the event date draws nearer, you'll want to follow up so that you will be fresh on their minds/board when the time comes. Best of luck!