Airey Bros Radio – Episode 431 is a deep-dive on the real mechanics of modern college recruiting — not highlight reels and slogans, but the communication systems that shape commitments, retention, transfers, and culture.We’re joined by Dan Tudor, founder of Tudor Collegiate Strategies and host of the College Recruiting Weekly Podcast, after a recommendation from Coach Steve Delgado (SWOCC Cross Country & Track). Dan has spent 20+ years helping college coaches and athletic departments build recruiting messaging that actually works — emails, letters, texts, phone calls, campus visits, and the “what happens next” process that recruits (and families) crave.In this episode, we break down:Why most coaches were never trained to recruit (and why recruiting is really sales + storytelling)The biggest recruiting mistake: coaches recruiting athletes the way they were recruitedWhy email is #1 for athletes (yes — in 2026)How to write a first message that feels real, personal, and response-worthyWhy letters are more powerful than ever (and how they influence families + decision-making)How to stay consistent without sounding like a used car salesmanWhy D3 can be a better financial deal than people think (academic aid, grants, packaging)Transfer portal recruiting: why it’s more business decision than emotional decisionHow better communication reduces transfers and increases buy-in🎙️ Perfect for: coaches, recruits, parents, ADs, recruiting coordinators, and anyone navigating NCAA / NAIA / JUCO recruiting in 2026.🔥 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching☕ Value-for-Value: support the show → BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBrosSearch tags / keywords: college recruiting, recruiting communication, recruiting email templates, recruiting letters, campus visit recruiting, transfer portal recruiting, NCAA recruiting, NAIA recruiting, JUCO recruiting, D3 scholarships, athletic recruiting strategy, coaching recruiting, recruiting sales, texting recruits, recruiting pipeline, roster building, retention, program culture.Podcast Timestamp Show Notes0:00 – The ABR mission + recruiting reality check Big world of opportunities beyond Division I; development paths; “not everyone is a D1 athlete.”1:45 – Show intro: “Recruiting systems, not highlight clips” Decision-making, communication structure, commitments, transfers.2:59 – Guest intro: Dan Tudor (Tudor Collegiate Strategies) - Sales, marketing, storytelling, recruiting messaging systems.4:11 – Where to find Dan + College Recruiting Weekly Podcast Website, podcast, training resources, recruiting communication education.5:27 – How Dan got on ABR (Coach Steve Delgado / SWOCC shoutout) NWAC context + why coaches recommend Dan’s content.7:15 – Dan’s origin story: TV sports broadcaster → recruiting services → coaching communicationEarly 90s broadcasting, recruiting services before the internet, the “confusing letter” problem.11:55 – The core problem: coaches were never trained to recruit - Why recruiting is communication + decision leadership; “what happens next” clarity.14:26 – Small world moment: Cal State Bakersfield + Paul Keysaw connection ABR continuity + shared circles across sports.15:14 – Biggest mistake coaches make: recruiting how they were recruited “Tree rings” analogy; college athletics culture resists change.17:43 – Social media trap: why highlights aren’t enough Scroll culture, attention scarcity, brand problems for D2/D3/JUCO “non-famous” programs.19:33 – Surprise #1: Athletes say EMAIL is the best recruiting medium Why they reread emails 7–15 times; email as their “commercial” / brand builder.21:58 – What the first message should look like (personal + specific) Mention what you saw, what stood out, invite conversation, make it easy to respond.23:01 – Why personalization matters (this generation can sniff out fake) Conversational tone > stiff/formal; “prove you know who I am.”27:28 – Letters are back: why physical mail stands out in 2026 “Mysterious” + special; family sees it; fridge/counter effect; long-tail influence.31:15 – Advice to recruits/parents: be proactive (email/text/call first) Why coaches respond when an athlete reaches out; “low-hanging fruit” effect.35:05 – Optics matter: signing ceremony + micro-scholarships Even small scholarship packaging can influence decisions and pride/social proof.38:47 – Consistency vs. salesy: how coaches avoid the ‘used car salesman’ vibe - Lead from A→B; ask for the commitment; don’t stall in endless “checking in.”43:41 – D3 money reality: why D3 can still be affordable Aid, grants, packaging; D3 recruiting skill as a career accelerator for coaches.47:39 – Transfer portal: recruiting never ends High school recruiting is emotional; portal recruiting is problem-solving + business logic.50:40 – Old-school coaches adapting: the “7 commitments in one night” story When coaches actually ask correctly, classes ...
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