Crafting a Sports Resume

Jan 24, 2024

16 Min Read

1. What is the purpose of a sports resume?


The purpose of a sports resume is to showcase an individual’s athletic accomplishments, skills, and experience in order to market oneself to potential coaches, recruiters, and teams. It serves as a tool for athletes to highlight their achievements and qualifications in a concise and organized format. This can help them stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of being recruited or selected for opportunities such as college scholarships, professional contracts, or team tryouts.

2. How should an athlete structure their sports resume to make it effective?


1. Start with a strong and attention-grabbing headline: This could include your name, sport, accomplishments, or any other standout feature that sets you apart.

2. Include all relevant personal information: This includes your age, height, weight, position, contact information (email/phone number), and current team/school.

3. Highlight your athletic achievements: Showcase your most significant accomplishments, awards, statistics, and accolades. Be sure to include both individual and team successes.

4. Outline your education: List your high school or college attended and graduation year. If applicable, include GPA and standardized test scores.

5. Emphasize key skills and strengths: Mention any specific skills or attributes that make you a valuable athlete in your sport (e.g., speed, agility, strength).

6. Incorporate relevant experience: If you have played for any club teams or participated in special tournaments or camps, mention them here.

7. Provide accurate and detailed statistics: Coaches often look at the numbers when assessing an athlete’s potential, so be sure to include accurate stats such as goals scored, assists made, etc.

8. Include references: Consider asking coaches or teammates for recommendations and include their contact information on your resume if possible.

9. Use action verbs to describe experiences: Begin each bullet point with an action verb that showcases what you have done (e.g., led the team in scoring).

10. Keep it concise and easy to read: Coaches are busy people who receive many resumes; keep yours concise and organized so they can quickly evaluate it.

11. Use visual aids if necessary: If you have videos or photos of yourself playing sports that showcase your skills and abilities well, consider including them in your resume.

12. Proofread for errors: Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors on your resume as these can be off-putting to coaches.

13. Update regularly: As you progress in your athletic career, make sure to update your resume with new accomplishments and experiences.

14. Customize for each opportunity: Tailor your resume to the specific team or school you are applying to. Highlight aspects that align with their values or needs.

15. Keep it professional and authentic: Lastly, remember to keep your resume professional and genuine. Be honest about your achievements and do not exaggerate or falsify information.

3. What types of information should be included in a sports resume?


1. Personal Information – This includes your full name, contact details, and any relevant personal information such as age, height, weight, and playing position.

2. Education – List all of your educational institutions, including the name of the school, level of education, dates attended, and any notable achievements or honors.

3. Sports Experience – This section should showcase your athletic experience and accomplishments, both in team sports and individual competitions. Include the name of the team or club you played for, the dates you were with them, and any notable achievements or awards received.

4. Skills – Highlight your specific skills that are relevant to your sport such as speed, agility, accuracy, strength, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in competition.

5. Team Leadership – If you have held a leadership role on a team (e.g. captain), mention it here and provide examples of how you took on this responsibility effectively.

6. Volunteer Work – Include any volunteer work related to sports such as coaching youth teams or assisting at sporting events.

7. References – It is always helpful to include references who can speak to your character and athletic abilities. Make sure to ask permission from these individuals before listing their names on your resume.

8. Additional Training/Experience – List any additional training or experience that may be relevant to your sport such as attending camps or clinics, participating in combines or showcases, or playing on travel teams.

9. Physical Attributes – Mention any physical attributes that may set you apart from other athletes such as exceptional speed or height.

10. Career Goals – You can end your resume with a brief statement about your long-term goals within sports and how this particular opportunity aligns with them.

It is always important to tailor your resume for each specific opportunity by highlighting the most relevant information for the position you are applying for. Be concise yet comprehensive in presenting your skills and experiences to make a strong impression on coaches or teams.

4. Can you provide some tips for making a strong first impression with a sports resume?


1. Keep it concise and professional: Your sports resume should be easy to read and contain only relevant information. Be sure to use a professional font and format.

2. Highlight your achievements: List your most notable accomplishments, such as awards, championships, and records. Be specific in terms of dates, teams, and statistics.

3. Showcase your skillset: Make sure to include any key skills that are specific to your sport, such as speed, agility, strength or accuracy. This will help recruiters quickly identify what you bring to the table.

4. Include relevant experience: Whether it’s playing on school teams or participating in local tournaments, make sure to include any relevant experience that showcases your dedication and passion for the sport.

5. Provide video footage: If possible, include links to highlight reels or game footage that showcases your skills in action. This can give recruiters a better understanding of your abilities.

6. Include contact information: Make sure to provide accurate contact information, such as phone number and email address, so recruiters can easily get in touch with you for potential opportunities.

7. Customize for each application: Tailor your resume for each individual opportunity by highlighting specific skills or experience that align with the position or team you’re applying for.

8. Proofread carefully: A strong first impression includes making sure your resume is free of errors or typos. Take the time to proofread carefully before submitting it.

9. Have a professional headshot: Consider including a high-quality headshot of yourself on your resume to make a visual connection with recruiters.

10. Use a cover letter: Consider creating a cover letter that highlights why you are interested in joining the team and how you can contribute to their success.

5. How can an athlete highlight their achievements and accolades on their sports resume?


Here are some tips for highlighting achievements and accolades on a sports resume:

1. Create a separate section: Start by creating a separate section on your resume specifically for achievements and accolades. This will help draw attention to your accomplishments and make them stand out.

2. Use bullet points: Instead of using paragraphs, use bullet points to list out your achievements and accolades. This will make it easier to read and scan through.

3. Make it specific: Be sure to provide specific details about each achievement, such as the event or competition name, date, location, and any notable opponents or teammates.

4. Quantify if possible: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements by including statistics or numbers. For example, you could mention how many goals you scored in a particular game or how many awards you have received.

5. Emphasize important awards: If you have received any notable awards or recognitions, be sure to highlight them by listing them first or putting them in bold font. This will help make them stand out even more.

6. Focus on recent accomplishments: While it’s important to include all of your achievements and accolades, it’s best to prioritize more recent ones as they can demonstrate your current level of skill and performance.

7. Use keywords: When describing your achievements and awards, try to use words that are commonly associated with the sport you play. This can help showcase your knowledge and understanding of the game.

8. Include relevant training or certifications: If you have completed any relevant training or received certifications in your sport, be sure to mention those as well in this section.

9. Update regularly: Remember to update this section regularly as you continue to achieve new milestones and receive new awards.

10. Keep it concise: While it’s important to highlight your achievements, remember not to go overboard with too much detail or information. Keep it concise so that the reader can easily scan through and understand your accomplishments.

6. What role do statistics play in a sports resume?


Statistics play a significant role in a sports resume because they provide concrete evidence of the candidate’s performance and accomplishments. They can also highlight important skills or abilities, such as scoring average, win-loss record, or other achievements specific to the sport. Statistics can also help coaches and recruiters easily compare candidates to see who may be the best fit for their team. Additionally, statistics give context to the rest of the resume and provide evidence to support any claims made in the experience or skills sections.

7. In what format should an athlete present their sports resume?


A sports resume should be presented in a professional and organized format, such as a traditional resume or in a portfolio. It should include the athlete’s personal information, contact details, relevant skills and experiences, academic achievements, athletic accomplishments (including awards and statistics), and testimonials or references from coaches and trainers. The layout should be easy to read and visually appealing, with clear headings and bullet points to highlight key information. It is also important to ensure that the resume is error-free and professionally written.

8. Are there any specific industry standards or guidelines for creating a sports resume?

Yes, there are some basic guidelines and recommendations for creating a sports resume that can help you effectively showcase your skills and accomplishments. Some common industry standards and guidelines include:

– Keep it concise: Your resume should be no longer than one to two pages in length. This will ensure that the most important information is highlighted and easy to read.

– Use a professional format: Choose an appropriate font and formatting style that is clear, clean, and easy to read. Avoid using colored fonts or complicated designs, as these can make your resume difficult to read.

– Include relevant information: Your sports resume should include information about your athletic achievements, including any honors or awards you have received, statistics, highlight reels, etc. It should also highlight any relevant education or training that you have received related to your sport.

– Use action words: Use strong action words such as “led,” “achieved,” “collaborated,” etc. to describe your experience and accomplishments.

– Tailor it to the specific sport/position: Make sure to tailor your resume for the specific sport you are applying for or the position you are seeking. This will help demonstrate your understanding of the skills and requirements necessary for that particular sport or position.

– Proofread carefully: It’s important to proofread your resume carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. This will help ensure that it looks professional and polished.

Overall, be sure to highlight your unique strengths, experiences, and achievements in a way that effectively showcases why you would be a valuable asset to any team or organization.

9. How far back should an athlete’s career history go on their sports resume?


The athlete’s career history on their sports resume should typically go back about 10 years. This allows for a comprehensive overview of the athlete’s experience and achievements, while also keeping the resume concise and relevant. If the athlete has notable accomplishments or experiences beyond 10 years that are still relevant and impressive, they can choose to include them as well. However, the focus should be on recent and relevant experiences.

10. Should amateur or recreational sports experiences be included in a professional sports resume?

It depends on the individual’s personal preferences and circumstances. If the amateur or recreational sports experiences have helped develop important skills or achievements relevant to the professional sports career, then they may be worth including in the resume. However, if they are not directly related to the desired professional sports role, it may be best to leave them out to keep the focus on relevant experience.

11. Is it necessary to include references on a sports resume, and if so, how many should be listed?


Including references on a sports resume is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial to include them in case potential employers or coaches want to contact individuals who can speak highly of your skills and character. If including references, it is recommended to list 2-3 professional references who have worked with you in a sports-related capacity, such as coaches, trainers, or former teammates.

12. How important is it to customize a sports resume for different teams or organizations?


Customizing a sports resume for different teams or organizations is very important. This allows you to tailor your skills, accomplishments, and experiences to the specific needs and values of each team or organization you are applying to. It also shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in joining that particular team or organization, which can make a good impression on potential coaches or hiring managers.

Additionally, different teams may have varying styles of play or specific positions they are looking to fill. By highlighting relevant experience and skills in your customized resume, you can better demonstrate how you can contribute to their team’s success. This also gives you the opportunity to showcase any unique abilities or achievements that may be particularly valuable to that team.

Overall, customizing your sports resume shows your dedication and attention to detail, which can set you apart from other applicants. It helps ensure that your application stands out and increases your chances of being selected for an interview or tryout with the team or organization.

13. Can an athlete use visuals or multimedia elements in their sports resume?

Yes, an athlete can definitely use visuals or multimedia elements in their sports resume. In fact, including images or videos of themselves in action can be a great way to showcase their skills and abilities to potential coaches or recruiters. It is important to make sure that the visuals are high quality and relevant to their sport and accomplishments. Additionally, it is best to limit the number of visual elements used in the resume and keep the focus on the written content.

14. Are there any common mistakes that athletes make on their sports resumes that should be avoided?


Yes, there are a few common mistakes that athletes make on their sports resumes that should be avoided:

1. Poor layout and organization: A cluttered or disorganized resume can make it difficult for coaches to find the information they need. Make sure your resume is well-structured, easy to read, and visually appealing.

2. Too much personal information: While it’s important to include your contact information, height and weight, and other relevant physical attributes, avoid including personal details such as your social security number or health conditions.

3. Spelling and grammar errors: Your resume is often the first impression coaches will have of you, so it’s essential to proofread carefully for any typos or errors.

4. Lack of specific achievements: Many athletes make the mistake of simply listing their team’s overall record or mentioning they were a team captain. Instead, highlight specific individual achievements such as awards won, records broken, or statistics that show your skills and abilities.

5. Inaccurate or outdated information: Be sure to keep your resume up-to-date with current contact information, academic achievements, and athletic accomplishments.

6. Using jargon and technical terms: While some terms may be understood within your sport-specific community, not all coaches may be familiar with them. Use simple language that is easy for anyone to understand.

7. Not tailoring the resume for each opportunity: Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach when creating a sports resume. Customize it for each opportunity by highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

8. Focusing only on athletic achievements: While athletics may be the main focus of your resume, don’t neglect other areas such as academic achievements or volunteer work that can also showcase your character and potential as an athlete.

9. Not including video highlights: Many coaches will ask for video highlights of an athlete’s performance in addition to the written resume. If you have footage available, include a link or DVD with your resume.

10. Not following submission guidelines: If a coach or team has specific requirements for submitting a resume, make sure to follow them. Failure to do so can give the impression of carelessness and could hurt your chances of being considered.

15. Besides athletic accomplishments, what other skills and qualities are relevant to showcase on a sports resume?


Other skills and qualities that are relevant to showcase on a sports resume may include:
1. Leadership: Highlight any experience as a team captain or leading a team to victory.
2. Teamwork: Emphasize your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and contribute to the success of the team.
3. Time management: If you were able to balance rigorous training schedules with school or work commitments, highlight this as it shows discipline and dedication.
4. Goal-setting: Mention any specific goals you set for yourself and how you achieved them in your athletic career.
5. Work ethic: Showcase your commitment and determination by discussing how you overcame challenges or setbacks throughout your sports journey.
6. Mental toughness: Discuss any moments where you showed resilience, mental strength, and the ability to perform under pressure.
7. Sportsmanship: Emphasize your character and values by highlighting instances of good sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials.
8. Community involvement: Include any volunteer work or community service related to sports that you have participated in outside of your athletic career.
9. Academic achievements: If applicable, mention any academic awards or achievements that showcase your dedication to both athletics and academics.
10. Personal interests/ hobbies: Including other interests outside of sports can show well-roundedness and add depth to your resume.

16. Is there a preferred length for a successful sports resume?


There is no set preferred length for a successful sports resume as it will vary depending on the individual and their specific experiences and achievements. However, in general, it is recommended to keep the resume concise and to focus on relevant information that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and potential value to a team or organization. Typically, a well-crafted sports resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages.

17.Could including cover letter improve chances when submitting your sport resumes.


Yes, including a cover letter can improve your chances when submitting sport resumes. A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself and highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. It also shows that you took the time to personalize your application and are genuinely interested in the opportunity. Additionally, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants who may only submit a resume.

18.What are some ways an athlete can demonstrate their commitment and dedication through their sport’sresume


1. Highlighting long-term participation: Including details about how many years an athlete has been involved in their sport can demonstrate a strong commitment and dedication to their craft.

2. Listing team or individual achievements: An athlete can showcase their dedication by listing any team or individual awards and accomplishments they have achieved throughout their career.

3. Mentioning specialized training or additional certifications: If the athlete has sought out extra training or certification to improve their skills, it shows a high level of commitment to continuously improving themselves.

4. Describing practice and training regimens: Providing details about the amount of time an athlete dedicates to practicing and training can demonstrate their commitment to becoming the best version of themselves.

5. Explaining any volunteering or leadership roles: Athletes who take on additional responsibilities, such as volunteering at events, coaching younger athletes, or serving as team captain, show dedication beyond just playing the sport.

6. Including references from coaches or teammates: Having others speak highly of an athlete’s dedication and commitment in letters of recommendation or through quotes on the resume can add credibility to these qualities.

7. Detailing overcome obstacles or setbacks: Athletes who have faced challenges but continued to persevere and remain committed to their sport demonstrate a strong level of dedication and determination.

8. Showcasing off-season activities: Many athletes continue to train during their off-seasons, whether it be attending camps, working with a personal coach, or participating in other sports, which can reflect a strong commitment to constantly bettering themselves.

9. Describing pre-game rituals: Some athletes have specific routines they follow before games or competitions that help them mentally prepare and show dedication to their sport’s success.

10. Mentioning sacrifices made for the sport: Whether it be giving up social events or making lifestyle changes for the sake of performance, sacrificing for the sport demonstrates a serious level of commitment and dedication.

19.What does the review process look like for organizations who receive multiple sport resumes at once?


The review process for organizations who receive multiple sport resumes at once can vary depending on the organization’s specific policies and procedures. However, some common steps in the review process may include:

1. Initial screening: The organization may conduct an initial screening of all resumes to ensure that each applicant meets the basic requirements for the position.

2. Prioritization: If the number of resumes is significantly large, the organization may prioritize them based on certain criteria (e.g. experience level, qualifications, etc.).

3. Thorough review: After prioritizing the resumes, the organization will conduct a more thorough review of each resume to determine which candidates have the necessary skills and experience for the position.

4. Shortlisting: Based on their review, the organization will shortlist a smaller group of candidates who they believe are the most qualified for the position.

5. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews to further assess their qualifications and fit for the role.

6. References and background checks: The organization may also contact references provided by the candidates and conduct background checks as part of their review process.

7. Final decision: After completing all steps in their review process, the organization will make a final decision on which candidate(s) to hire for the position.

It’s important to note that every organization may have a slightly different review process, so it’s best to check with each individual company or sports team to understand their specific process.

20.How often should an athlete update or revise their sportsresume, especially as they progress in their career?


It is recommended that athletes update their sports resume at least once a year, or after any major accomplishments or milestones in their career. This could include winning a championship, breaking a record, or receiving an award. As the athlete progresses in their career and gains more experience and achievements, it is important to continually update their sports resume to accurately reflect their skills and accomplishments. This will help to keep the resume current and relevant for potential coaches, recruiters, and teams.

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