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E 63 | Recruiting Services, Showcases, and Highlights: The Multi-Billion Dollar Industry Selling False Hope
Episode 63 • 16th February 2026 • THIRST For More Podcast • Brandon Smitley | Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training
00:00:00 01:32:36

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Episode Summary

The recruiting pipeline is a multi-billion dollar industry selling families a dream that statistically almost never comes true. In this episode, I expose the economics behind recruiting platforms, showcase tournaments, and highlight reel services. I share what college coaches actually say about how they recruit (hint: 80% prefer a direct email over any platform), break down why less than 5% of athletes at showcases get genuinely evaluated, and address the alarming trend of recruiting profiles for twelve-year-olds. Then I give you a seven-step framework that costs 95% less and delivers better results. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or fitness professional, this is the recruiting reality check the industry doesn’t want you to hear.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The youth sports market exceeds $40 billion annually, with billions flowing into the recruiting pipeline sub-industry (platforms, showcases, highlight reels, recruiting services)

2. Only about 7% of high school athletes play college sports at any level; roughly 2% receive any athletic scholarship

3. 80% of college coaches surveyed said they dislike receiving messages from recruiting platforms; 98% prefer direct personal emails from athletes

4. At a typical showcase with ~960 athletes, fewer than 50 may be genuinely evaluated by attending coaches

5. Professional highlight reels are less useful to coaches than raw game footage uploaded for free to YouTube

6. Recruiting profiles for 12-year-olds serve parental anxiety, not athletic development

7. The proven recruiting approach (direct email, school-specific camps, coaching networks, honest self-assessment) costs $2–4K total vs. $60–80K for the all-in pipeline approach

Research & Sources:

• NCAA Recruiting Facts Sheet (2024 data)

• NCAA Estimated Probability of Competing in College Athletics

• Aspen Institute – State of Play / Project Play Reports

• Youth Sports Business Report – Industry Data & Analysis

• Athlete College Advisors – Coach Communication Preferences Survey

• PwC Sports Industry Outlook Report

• TIME Magazine – “How Kids’ Sports Became a $15 Billion Industry”

DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.

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About Brandon Smitley

Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

Subscribe On YouTube!

Website: THIRSTgym.com

Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.

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