by Mandy Green, Busy Coach
As a college coach, you’re in the business of winning—on the field and on the recruiting trail.
And just like in your sport, if you want to win, you need a scoreboard.
But not just any scoreboard. A balanced scoreboard that tracks the right things, gives you clarity, and helps you make smarter decisions with your limited time.
Here are 7 things every college coach should include in their recruiting scoreboard:
- Track 5–7 Key Metrics—No More
You’re busy. You don’t have time to stare at spreadsheets all day. Narrow your focus. Pick the 5 to 7 recruiting metrics that actually move the needle.
You could start simple with:
- # of new prospects identified
- # of initial contacts made
- # of responses received
- # of visits scheduled
- # of commitments secured
What numbers would make sense for your program to track that would tell you the real story of your recruiting pipeline?
- Measure What Drives Real Results
A lot of coaches track “activity” like how many emails they send or how many texts they fire off. That’s not enough.
You need metrics that point to actual recruiting progress.
For example:
- A jump in outbound calls is meaningless if it doesn’t lead to any action after the call.
- Getting more social media followers means nothing if nobody responds to your messages.
Every number you track should tie directly to a specific recruiting outcome—like getting more micro commitments or top recruits on campus.
- Use Time-Based Goals
Set weekly and monthly targets.
Recruiting is a game of momentum, not last-minute Hail Mary’s.
Decide how many new prospects you want to add each week. How many follow-ups. How many visits to schedule by the end of the month.
Then measure yourself against that. Create urgency. Track progress. Adjust.
- Drop Metrics That Don’t Matter
If you’re tracking things that don’t lead to real movement in your recruiting—stop.
Don’t waste time on vanity metrics or outdated reports.
Every number should earn its spot on your scoreboard.
- Connect Your Effort to Results
Every recruiting action costs time. Make sure it pays off.
Example: If you’re spending hours on Instagram DMs but getting zero replies, it’s time to shift your effort.
Your scoreboard should show a direct link between what you’re doing and how it’s moving recruits through your funnel—from interest to commitment.
- Be Patient—but Not Passive
Building a great class doesn’t happen in a week.
Track consistently and give your strategy time to work.
But don’t confuse patience with passivity. Use your scoreboard to see what’s working, and make small adjustments every week.
- Review and Improve Monthly
Once a month, zoom out. Look at the numbers. What’s trending up? What’s flatlining?
Ask yourself:
- What’s leading to real recruiting conversations?
- Which actions are turning into campus visits?
- Where am I spinning my wheels?
Refine your scoreboard. Drop dead weight. Double down on what works.
Bottom Line: Clarity Wins
A balanced recruiting scoreboard helps you stop guessing and start managing.
It ties your daily actions to long-term results. It helps you use your time, energy, and resources where they matter most.
And most importantly—it helps you bring in the right athletes to build the program you want.
Want help building your scoreboard? That’s what I do. Let’s get you recruiting smarter—not harder. Email Mandy at mandy@dantudor.com to set up a strategy call.