The Social Media Tightrope for Athletes
PC: Payton Mazzuco
For high school athletes, talent and performance on the field are no longer enough. In the age of digital scouting, social media has become not only a powerful tool but, at times, a necessary burden for those hoping to catch the attention of college recruiters.
From forms of media such as training reels on Instagram to highlight clips on TikTok, athletes are feeling increasing pressure to craft their personal brand online. On the other hand, coaches and recruiters face obstacles like tighter budgets and limited time, feeling inclined to turn to the easy option: social media platforms. Within these networking sites, it becomes quite effortless to discover an athlete's work ethic, talent, and even assess their character. For many athletes, their online presence is as crucial as their stats.
Balancing both game time success and an online persona can start to become an overwhelming pressure for young athletes. While some thrive under the spotlight, others feel consumed by the stereotypes and struggle with the need to feel relevant to their coaches. Rather than spending time on homework or drills needed to improve, athletes now feel inclined to post meticulously edited videos, monitoring their likes and shares as indicators of their success.
Despite all of the pressure it brings, recruiters do pay attention. For an athlete, a well-curated profile can showcase more than just overall performance; it can display who an athlete is authentically. But, within the margins, there is a fine line. Once you post something online, even if it appears to be deleted, it will always remain on the internet. One wrong post, even just an inappropriate comment, can ruin chances of recruitment.
To combat these inevitable mistakes, some athletes work with social media consultants or attend workshops to help them cultivate a ‘recruitable’ online image. Other athletes rely on parents or coaches to manage their accounts, often raising eyebrows about authenticity and privacy. Not everyone agrees that this is a good thing.
Social media is a tightrope; on one end, it can offer incredible exposure, especially for talented athletes in underlooked programs. On the other end, there is a constant need to post and perform, contributing to a burnout culture that is rarely discussed in athletes' highlight reels. As the digital age is refining recruitment, athletes must learn to find a balance between visibility and authenticity. Talent might open a door for an athlete, but the character they demonstrate on and off social media is what keeps it open.