The Recruiting Journey No One Prepares You For
When I started helping my son with the college recruiting process, I thought I was ready. With over 20 years of corporate leadership experience in tech and cybersecurity, I was no stranger to solving complex problems. I’d led global campaigns, earned patents, and built high-performing teams.
But recruiting? That was different.
It was disjointed. Confusing. Overwhelming.
I found myself late-night Googling, second-guessing, and wondering, How do other families figure this out?
The truth? Most don’t, at least not without help. And that’s exactly why I created Grit Sports.
A System No One Teaches You
College recruiting isn’t a step-by-step program handed out in high school. It’s a multi-year, multi-variable journey that touches every part of a young athlete’s life: academics, athletics, mental & physical growth, emotional resilience, and logistics.
And yet, most families are left to figure it out alone.
“Many families simply don’t have the time or knowledge to manage this complex, multi-year journey, where missing key deadlines can mean lost opportunities.”
— Top 100 Magazine Interview
That quote from my recent feature in the Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs magazine still hits hard. Because it’s exactly what I lived and what thousands of families are still living today.
The Five-Stage Journey
At Grit Sports, we break the recruiting process into five stages:
Build the Foundation – Know what’s needed early (before freshman year matters more than you think)
Develop – Train the mind, body, and academic profile over time
Gain Exposure – Get seen, strategically
Engage – Enter the recruiting conversation with clarity and confidence
Decide – Make the right college decision, on your terms
Each stage comes with its own challenges, and missing one could mean missing out.
Turning Confusion into Confidence
Recruiting shouldn’t be reserved for families who have connections or can afford expensive personal recruiters. Grit Sports was built to flip that model on its head.
“Grit Sports isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation. We equip athletes with personalized, actionable plans that empower them to take control of their recruiting journey.”
— Top 100 Magazine Q&A
Whether you’re a freshman just starting out or a junior trying to catch up, we’ve built a platform that brings structure, clarity, and expert support to the process all in one place.
If You’re Navigating This Too…
You’re not alone. Grit Sports is here to walk with you, every step of the way. Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or coach, this platform was built for you.
✨ Explore the Platform
🔹 Read the Full Top 100 Feature
— Michele Konetski
Founder & CEO, Grit Sports
