How to Get Noticed as an International Athlete

Trying to get recruited by a U.S. college from outside the country? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not at a disadvantage, as long as you play it right.

Yes, it's tougher to get exposure when you're not in the U.S. system. But that doesn't mean you're out of the game. It just means you have to be intentional.

Let’s walk through exactly how to make yourself visible to college coaches, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

1. Start with Video — Always

Coaches can’t recruit what they can’t see. If you don’t already have match footage, start filming immediately. Use a tripod, keep it steady, and prioritize full points over highlight reels. A coach isn’t looking for flashy edits — they want to see how you construct points, move, recover, and compete under pressure.

Pro tip: Put your best 60 seconds first. Hook them early or risk losing their attention.

2. Translate Everything

Your national ranking? Your tournament results? Your GPA? Assume nothing makes sense to a coach unless it’s clearly explained.

If your school uses a 10-point scale or your country has a unique grading system, add a quick note to explain it. Same goes for tournaments — provide context like draw size, opponent rankings, and level of competition.

3. Build an Online Profile

Make it easy for coaches to learn everything about you in one place. That means a solid, up-to-date Freshie profile with:

• Highlight video
• Tournament results
• Academic info (GPA, SAT/TOEFL if applicable)
• Contact info
• Coach references

Think of your profile as your digital resume. Make it sharp and complete.

4. Be the One Who Reaches Out

Waiting to be discovered is a rookie mistake. Coaches receive hundreds of emails — but most of them are generic. Stand out by writing personalized emails to programs you’re genuinely interested in.

Introduce yourself, link your profile, highlight a few key achievements, and explain why you’re interested in their program. Keep it short and clean.

5. Use People Who Know the System

If you have access to a local coach or mentor who understands the U.S. recruiting process, lean on them. Ask for advice, introductions, or even a short letter of recommendation. Coaches trust other coaches — especially those who’ve worked with international recruits before.

Final Thought

You may be far away, but you’re not invisible — unless you act like you are.

Stay aggressive. Stay organized. Keep showing up in inboxes with something to offer.

International recruiting is competitive, but there’s room for anyone who plays the game smart.