5 Showcase Secrets College Coaches Don't Tell You
The Showcase Survival Guide: Maximize Exposure, Minimize Costs
Showcase season is upon us, and if you're feeling overwhelmed by the flood of invitations promising "maximum exposure to college coaches," you're not alone.
After 30+ years of combined experience as players, coaches, scouts, and event operators, we've seen what actually works - and what's just burning through your savings account.
Here's the truth most showcase organizers don't want you to hear: More showcases rarely lead to more opportunities.
In fact, the families who spend thousands traveling to every showcase often find themselves with exhausted players, time and money they’ll never get back, and surprisingly few college conversations to show for it.
Let's fix that.
#1: The Golden Rule: Quality Over Quantity
The most successful recruits we've guided follow a simple formula:
3-5 strategic showcases > 10+ random events
Why? College coaches aren't impressed by how many showcases you attend. They're looking for consistent performance and improvement. When players are burned out from constant travel and competition, their performance suffers.
Plus, coaches talk to each other. If they see the same player at every event but not performing well, it actually hurts rather than helps.
#2: Target Events With Schools YOU Want
Before registering for any showcase, ask this crucial question: "Which college coaches will actually be there?"
Get the specific list of committed coaches, then cross-reference with your target schools list. If there's minimal overlap, it's likely not worth your time and money.
One focused showcase with 5 target schools in attendance is more valuable than three generic showcases with random programs you have no interest in.
Coach tip: Most showcase websites list "invited coaches" rather than "committed coaches." These are very different things. Always call and ask for the confirmed list from previous years.
#3: Performance Trumps Participation
Parents often believe more exposure equals more opportunities. In reality, a single great performance is worth more than ten mediocre ones.
Instead of stretching your budget (and your player's energy) across multiple events, invest in:
Pre-showcase training to ensure peak performance
Quality video from your best showcases
Recovery time between events
Remember: Coaches are evaluating performance quality, not collecting participation trophies.
#4: The Follow-Up System That Works
Here's the most overlooked aspect of showcase season: what happens AFTER the event matters more than the event itself.
Create a simple follow-up system:
Email coaches within 48 hours after the showcase
Include your player's key metrics and position
Reference specific conversations you had at the event
Attach your best video footage (keep it under 2 minutes)
Close with a clear next step
The players who stand out aren't always the most talented - they're the ones who follow up effectively.
#5: The Cost-Efficient Alternative
Did you know many college coaches prefer evaluating players at their own camps rather than third-party showcases?
College camps typically cost less than commercial showcases and provide direct exposure to the coaching staff you actually want to impress.
If your player has 5-10 target schools, attending their specific camps could yield better results than generic showcases - while saving you thousands in travel expenses.
Your Showcase Season Action Plan
Create your target schools list first - don't register for any showcase until this is done (we created the College Baseball Compass to help you with this - link below)
Limit to 3-5 strategic events where coaches from your target schools will attend
Build in recovery time - at least 2 weeks between showcases
Prepare your follow-up system before the first event
Save 30% of your budget for targeted college camps
The Bottom Line
The most successful recruits aren't the ones attending every showcase - they're the ones with a strategic plan that balances exposure, performance quality, and sustainability.
Want expert guidance with no BS for your player's recruiting journey? Well, if you’re receiving this email then you’re in the right place because that’s what Prospects Playbook is all about. We’ll be in your inbox.
Want a DEEP DIVE into the best possible college baseball fit for your son and your family? The College Baseball Compass is a completely free tool that we built for you.
Our team has guided hundreds thousands of players through the recruiting maze, and we're here to help your family navigate showcase season with confidence.
To your player's success,
Matt
Founder, Prospects Playbook