How Social Media Can Make or Break Your Path to a Collegiate Esports Program

In my journey helping collegiate esports programs recruit players and coaches, I've seen countless talented individuals fail to make the cut—not because they lacked skill, but because they didn’t understand the influence of social media on their recruitment. I’ve spent years working with esports programs to understand what separates a recruit who gets an offer from one who doesn’t. Spoiler alert: It's not always their rank or competitive experience. It's how they present themselves online, their attitude, and their engagement with the program.

One of the biggest misconceptions among aspiring esports players and coaches is that only their in-game performance matters. Yes, your skills and rank are crucial, but they’re just part of the equation. Many are unaware of how much programs value a recruit's presence and attitude on social media. A history of toxic behavior, inconsistency in communication, or a lack of respect for others can quickly overshadow your in-game achievements. Coaches and recruiters often scrutinize social media profiles to understand the character behind the screen. If they find content that contradicts their program’s values, it can lead to an immediate pass.

Beyond this, there is a more hidden issue: lack of engagement. Often, recruits are unaware that showing interest matters just as much as their gameplay. Many fail to interact with coaches on Discord, skip team calls, or miss out on tryouts due to poor communication. This is a red flag for any program that values commitment and consistency.

Let me share a story from my experience. Our clients make a significant investment of time and money with us. Not one of our students missed a call with a head coach or Esports director, not one student missed a weekly call with us and they all respected the timelines when work had to be done for or documentation had to be sent. Providing a professional environment where they know what they have to do in every step of the way and all the deadlines and rules we have is key. They know if they do not commit to working with us, we can terminate their contract.

Players that work with us and make a significant investment in their education usually are the ones that have an intact social media presence and you can tell they are serious about their future.

If you’re serious about joining a collegiate esports program, you need to think beyond just your skills and rank. Here are some actionable steps:

Curate Your Social Media Presence: Make sure your profiles reflect who you are and what you stand for. Remove any toxic or controversial content. Share your achievements, but also show humility, teamwork, and passion for esports.

Engage with Coaches and Programs: Follow the programs you’re interested in on social media. Comment on their posts, engage with their content, and show genuine interest. When a coach reaches out, respond promptly and professionally.

Show Up On Time: Treat every call, meeting, or tryout as if it were a job interview. Being late or missing an appointment without a good reason sends a signal that you’re unreliable.

Demonstrate a Positive Attitude: Show that you’re not just a good player but also a great teammate. Highlight instances where you have led or contributed positively to a team environment.

By following these steps, you’ll differentiate yourself from other recruits who may have the same skills or rank but lack the professionalism and commitment that collegiate programs value.

Improving your social media presence and aligning with the values of a collegiate esports program has several benefits. First, it builds your credibility. Coaches will see you as a serious contender who understands the importance of both skills and character. Second, it opens up more opportunities. When you engage with coaches and programs proactively, you’re not just another player in the pool; you’re a name they remember. Finally, it sets you up for long-term success. When you’re known for your positive attitude and commitment, it makes it easier to get recommendations, whether you're aiming for a spot on the team or a coaching position.