If you’re a high school athlete right now, you probably feel it. The pressure to post more. To get your name out there.

Parents feel it, too.

We’re supposed to know what’s best for our kids. But there’s no how-to manual for raising your kids in the Instagram era, let alone the NIL era.

I’ve seen this world from multiple angles. I was a high school, college, and professional athlete (long before NIL was a thing). I spent nearly 20 years leading digital and content in the NBA and NHL. And now, I’m a dad of three daughters trying to figure this out in real life.

Athletes are getting a lot of advice, most of which is loud and confusing.

“Coaches are watching.”

“You need to post your highlights.”

“Social media matters.”

Sure.

But that’s not a plan.

How’s a teenager supposed to handle school, practice, training, friends, homework, travel and also be a social media expert?

What really matters? What’s just noise?

Without help, athletes usually do one of two things: 1) Post all the time and overthink everything, or 2) Stop posting altogether because it feels stressful.

And parents are thinking: Should my kid even be on these apps?

It’s not simple.

Surely there’s a balance between keeping kids safe and teaching them to use these tools wisely.

Here’s the good news:

To get recruited, you don’t have to be everywhere, post daily, or go viral.

You just need to be understood.

When a coach looks at your profile, they want to see what kind of player you are, how you help your team, and how you act outside the lines.
Before you post, ask:

Does this show how I help my team?

Would a coach learn something useful about me?

Does this match who I really am?

If yes, keep going.

If you’re not sure, that’s okay. You just need a plan, not more pressure.

Over the next few months here on Colorado Preps, we’re going to make this simple — so you can focus on your game!

Remember: You’re not behind. Just surrounded by too much noise.

You’ve got this.

Visit Tewdilly.com for simple, practical help building a social media and personal brand plan that supports recruiting and future opportunities.