Where the money goes
It probably feels like every opportunity is one you can't skip. That's how budgets disappear. Most recruiting spending falls into a few buckets:
• Club or travel team fees.
• Travel: gas, flights, hotels and meals for tournaments.
• Camps and clinics.
• Showcases and combines.
• Video: highlight reels and filming.
• Paid recruiting services and profiles.
What usually moves the needle
• Events where coaches from your target schools will actually be.
• Camps at schools that already know your athlete's name.
• A good highlight video, kept current.
What often doesn't
• Big "exposure" events far above your athlete's level.
• Camps chosen for the school's name, not the fit.
• Paying for something you could do yourselves with a little time.
The goal isn't to be seen by more coaches. It's to be seen by the right ones.
Set the budget first
Pick a yearly number as a family. Then decide what's in it. When a new opportunity shows up, the question isn't "can we afford it?" but "is it worth more than what we'd give up?"
Instead of
"Everyone's going to this showcase. We should too."
Say this
"Which of our target schools will be there? If none, let's put that money toward a camp where a coach already knows her."
The move
Add up last year's recruiting spending, roughly. Then pick next year's number and the three things you'll spend it on first. Track as you go.
Stop guessing who's paying attention.
Answer 4 quick questions and get one clear step your family can take this week. No score, no grade.
Prospect-Orbit Pro syncs your coach emails automatically, keeps every program's status in one view, and reminds you when it's time to follow up.