What College Coaches Look For Beyond Times

Jun 14, 2025By Matthew Lowe
Matthew Lowe

The Truth About Getting Recruited

When I was coaching at the college level, dozens of athletes and parents would reach out asking the same question:

“What time do I need to run to get recruited?”

But here’s the truth: performance is just one piece of the puzzle. Many other factors contribute to what coaches are really looking for. And if red flags are visible to any coach, such as a poor attitude, lack of communication, low coachability, or struggles in the classroom, even a fast runner can be passed up. College coaches are looking for more than just PRs; they’re looking for the right fit for their program.

And now, with the rise of NIL, the transfer portal, Title IX compliance pressures, and the NCAA’s shifting structure, recruiting is more complicated than ever, especially for families sending their first kid to college.

Why I’m Launching This Series—And What to Expect

This series is a practical guide for aspiring college athletes and their families. My goal is to simplify a complex process and provide you with the clarity, tools, and confidence to navigate the recruiting process with intention.

Over the upcoming weeks, I’ll be breaking down key topics like:

  • What coaches look for beyond race times
  • How the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting
  • The pros and cons of the JUCO route
  • How to effectively engage with college coaches
  • Understanding your true options: DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO
  • Why your training background and “trainability” matter
  • What happens when you wait too long to start the process
  • And how the NCAA settlement is changing the game—for everyone

This series is for high school prospects and their families, whether they're a freshman planning ahead or a senior still unsure of their next step. But it's also bigger than just recruiting tips. Through my coaching services, I help athletes not only race faster and build strong training foundations, but also prepare for the next level - whether it's through navigating the recruiting process, identifying schools that align with their goals, or choosing degree programs that match future industry demand. 

This is about long-term fit, not just athletic success, but academic and career alignment too. 

From the Coach’s Side of the Desk

When I was recruiting, I wasn’t just looking at times.

I asked about their training background, evaluated their body language, requested transcripts, and followed recruits on social media. I used platforms like Athletic.net, MileSplit, and TFRRS to scout talent. I connected with athletes through Instagram, phone calls, and Zoom calls with families.

But that was just the surface, because the real decision-making happened through conversations, gauging character, attitude, and whether a recruit aligned with the vision I was building.

Most coaches follow a similar process and do the same thing. And as recruiting becomes more selective, they’re becoming even more intentional about who they bring in and why.

What You Can Do Now

✅ Check out my webpage for College-Bound Athlete Support 

📲 Follow me on Instagram @pprc_running for visual breakdowns

📥 Download the free “Are You Recruitable?” checklist and take your first step today