How to Turn a Coach’s “Maybe” Into a “Yes”
- Dawn Rybarski
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
So, a college coach showed some interest. Maybe you got a DM. Maybe a camp invite. Maybe even a “keep us updated” message after a showcase but it's not the result you were hoping for.
Let’s be honest—“maybe” can feel like a soft rejection. But in college baseball recruiting, a “maybe” is often just the beginning of a real opportunity. The truth? A "maybe" means you’re on their radar, and that’s a good place to be — if you know how to move forward.
At 1Top Prospect, we’ve helped countless athletes turn that “we’ll be in touch” into a signed offer. Here’s how it happens—and how you can do the same.
Don’t Get Discouraged — Get Strategic
First things first: A “maybe” isn’t a dead end. It often means:
You're on their radar.
They've seen potential.
You’re one of several players they’re considering.
They want to see how you compete under pressure.
They’re waiting on scholarship money or roster clarity.
That "more” might be time, growth, stats, or confirmation of your character and consistency.
Take a step back and ask: What might they need to see next?
Follow Up — The Right Way & Make It Count
Too many players go quiet after initial contact. Big mistake.
Generic "just checking in" messages won't move the needle.
Instead, respond with a thank-you note or email that shows appreciation and maturity.
Reaffirm your interest in the program and ask if there’s anything specific they want to see from you moving forward.
📬 Example: “Mr. __________, I really appreciate the time you took to watch me play. I’m excited about the opportunity to potentially be part of your program. Is there anything specific you’re hoping to see from me this summer or fall?”
Every time you contact a coach, bring value. This does two things:
Shows initiative.
Opens the door for clear feedback.
✅What to send:
Updated video. (BP, game clips, defensive reps)
Recent stats or tournament results.
Academic updates. (New GPA, test scores)
Upcoming schedule. (Where they can see you live)
🔥 Pro Tip: Include 15–20 second video clips that highlight something new or improved since last contact.
Show Growth — Not Just Performance
Coaches want to see trajectory.
If you were 82 off the mound when they first saw you and you’re now touching 85, that’s movement. If your swing has more rhythm, your footwork has cleaned up, or your 60 time has dropped—show it.
One of 1Top Prospect's athletes went from “maybe” to an offer after sending monthly updates with clear, steady improvement. That kind of consistency grabs coaches' attention.
Level Up Your Game — and Show It
Now’s the time to make undeniable progress. Whether it’s exit velocity, pop time, fastball velocity, or footspeed — measurable gains matter. But don’t stop at the numbers.
Post video updates: games, workouts, cage sessions.
Tag coaches (or send directly) with context.
Be consistent — not just flashy.
📹 Video Tip: Keep clips short, clear, and labeled. If a coach sees your improvement without needing to search for it, that’s powerful.
Keep Competing — and Be Where They Are
Coaches love gamers. Show up in tournaments and showcases ready to compete with energy, toughness, and confidence. They're watching how you handle:
Pressure situations
Failure (Do you hustle after a strikeout?)
Team dynamics (Are you a leader?)
If a coach invites you to their camp—go!
If they’re at a showcase you’re attending—perform, but also connect.
Being physically in front of a coach can bump you from the “list” to the “priority pile.”
Even if they’ve seen your video, in-person energy, attitude, and coachability leave a different impression. When a coach sees you making a difference beyond the stat line, that “maybe” starts shifting toward “yes.”
Keep Communication Alive — Without Overdoing It
Follow up after events you know they watched.
Share short updates every 3–4 weeks: new metrics, highlights, academic achievements, or schedule info.
⚠️ Avoid flooding them with messages. Think quality over quantity.
Build a Personal Connection
Coaches recruit people, not just players.
Respond professionally.
Ask smart questions about their program.
Follow their team on social media.
Congratulate them after a big series win.
If they remember your name and your vibe, you’re already one step ahead of the competition.
Expand Your Options — and Build Leverage
Don’t put all your energy into one “maybe.” Keep exploring other schools. When other programs show interest — or offers come in — it can raise your value in the eyes of a coach who’s still undecided. Coaches don’t want to miss on players that other programs want.
Stay the Course — Coaches Remember Grit
We’ve seen it time and time again: the kid who didn’t get the early offer, but kept grinding, stayed in touch, and showed growth — that’s the kid who got signed late and made a real impact.
Some “maybes” turn into yeses months (or even a year) later. Other times, a “maybe” from one school becomes a full offer from another—because you stayed consistent.
Every coach conversation is a chance to grow your network and reputation in the baseball world. Keep the door open, stay hungry, and stay the course!
Final Word from 1Top Prospect
The recruiting process isn’t a straight line—and a “maybe” isn’t the end of the road. It’s an open door. What you do next defines your journey. Put in the work. Stay visible. Stay coachable.
We’ve helped athletes flip the script time and time again—and if you’re willing to grind, your “maybe” can absolutely become a “yes".
That’s what we teach every player we work with at 1Top Prospect: The offer isn’t just about talent — it’s about how you handle the process.
💬 Have a “maybe” you’re trying to flip into a “yes”? We can break down your situation and build a plan that gets you there. 📩 Hit us up—we’re here to help you close the gap.
Athletic Edge and Wellness, Illinois Baseball Edge, and 1Top Prospect in Algonquin IL are your professional throwing partners in elite baseball/softball performance and arm care through the continuum of ages and competition levels. We offer team and hyper-personalized private instruction to help players move better, maximize training progressions, and more efficiently navigate the college recruitment process. Our services include player centric training on elements such as velocity, command, secondary pitch, arm care, recovery (including Normatec), physical therapy, performance therapy, strength and mobility, and consulting that provides personal attention to student-athletes on their collegiate recruiting journey. These services are offered under one roof. Come experience the difference with a professional staff that is world class, tightly aligned, and able to collaborate for superior results.
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