🏕️ Make Camp Count

📰 COLLEGIATE ELITES WEEKLY

Issue 051 — June 2, 2026

Summer camps are supposed to be fun.

You get to compete.

Learn from new coaches.

Meet other athletes.

And spend time playing the sport you love.

But if playing at the next level is one of your goals, camps are also an opportunity to improve, build relationships, and make an impression.

The problem?

Most athletes approach camp exactly the same way.

They show up, they play, they leave.

The athletes who get the most out of camp do a little more.

⚡️ STAND OUT BEFORE CAMP STARTS

One of the easiest ways to separate yourself happens before you ever step on the field, court, or track.

A lot of athletes just register and move on.

The athletes who stand out take a few extra minutes to learn about the program, fill out recruiting questionnaires thoughtfully, and introduce themselves to the coaching staff.

Will a short email get you recruited? Not necessarily.

But it can help coaches know who you are before camp even begins.

It shows initiative.
It demonstrates genuine interest in their program.
And it gives them a reason to keep an eye out for you when you arrive.

Recruiting is rarely about one moment.

It’s usually about creating multiple positive interactions over time.

🔥 COMPETE EVERY REP

Sports camps are a great opportunity to learn from new coaches, have fun, and get lots of reps.

They’re also a chance to compete and show coaches what you can do.

Every drill.
Every rep.
Every scrimmage is an opportunity.

Approach camp with energy and intent.

Bounce back from mistakes, move on to the next play, communicate, and be open to feedback.

The athletes who stand out are the ones who compete with confidence, play aggressively, and stay engaged throughout the day.

Camp is your opportunity to show coaches the type of athlete you are.

Make the most of it.

📣 BE COACHABLE

Throughout camp, coaches are constantly giving feedback and instruction.

And they’re paying attention to how athletes respond.

The athletes who stand out listen.
They make the adjustment.
They apply the coaching.
And they show they can improve in real time.

Remember, coaches aren’t just evaluating the athlete you are today.

They’re evaluating whether they can coach you.

Can you learn?
Can you adapt?
Can you improve?

Coaches also pay attention to how you interact with the athletes around you.

Talent gets attention but character earns trust.

Even at a one-day camp, coaches notice who encourages teammates, communicates positively, and helps create a great environment.

The athletes who stand out aren’t always the athletes who perform perfectly but the athletes who show they can learn, adjust, and improve, and positively impact the people around them.

📬 FOLLOW UP

Most athletes skip this step.

Don't.

Before you leave camp, thank the coaches and players who helped make the experience possible.

It's a small gesture, but it demonstrates appreciation, maturity, and respect.

Then follow up afterward with a short email.

Thank the coaches for their time.

Mention something you learned.

Reference a conversation you had.

Keep it short.
Keep it genuine.

Recruiting is built on relationships. Relationships require follow-up.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHT

Camp is an opportunity.

An opportunity to improve.
An opportunity to compete.
And an opportunity to show coaches the type of athlete you are.

Most athletes attend camp.

The best athletes make the most of it.

Be Elite.

✅ TAKE ACTION

📍 In Seattle?

Come train with us in person at the Collegiate Elites weight room.
Get hands-on coaching, structured training, and the same environment our college athletes trust to stay sharp. 👉

🌐 Not local?
Train with a former college athlete — online or in your area. 👉