Most Common Sports Scholarship Mistakes & How to Avoid Them 

1. Submitting a poor-quality recruitment video

“The recruitment video is often your first impression,” Sandy explains. “A shaky camera, poor lighting, or awkward angles can put coaches off.” This is one of the most common and critical errors athletes make. Your video doesn’t need to be professionally produced, but it should be clear, well-lit, and highlight your best moments. Match footage is particularly valuable—don’t rely solely on training clips. 

2. Talking about scholarships too early

Everyone wants to discuss scholarships, but timing matters. “Going straight into scholarship questions on the first call can seem impersonal,” Sandy says. “Focus first on building a relationship—show interest in the team, the programme, and the university before discussing finances.” Coaches are looking for student-athletes who are enthusiastic about both the sport and the academic experience—not just the funding. 

3. Starting the process too late

One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to begin. “Some athletes start too late. Coaches often fill their squads early, especially at higher levels,” Sandy notes. He recommends starting the process 18 to 24 months before finishing school. This allows enough time to build your profile, collect footage, and complete all the necessary documents—without the added pressure of final exams. 

4. Failing to stay in contact with coaches

Mario Picazo points out another key mistake: poor communication. “Some athletes go silent for too long after a coach reaches out,” he says. “Communication is crucial—you can’t receive an offer and then disappear for days or weeks.” Coaches expect quick responses and ongoing engagement. Slow replies can make it seem like you’re not interested, and they might move on to someone else. 

5. Not keeping your profile up to date

According to Mario, regularly updating your recruitment profile is just as important as making a great first impression. “It’s vital to keep adding new videos and recent results so your profile remains current,” he advises. Coaches want to see your recent performances, not clips from a year ago. Consistent updates show that you’re active, improving, and committed to your sport.