4 Examples of How Character Shows Up in the Recruitment Process
In recruitment, character isn’t the extra credit—it’s part of the test. Make sure you’re preparing for it.
In youth sports, talent opens the door, but character determines whether that door stays open.
When it comes to player recruitment, especially at higher levels of sport, regardless of whether it’s academy programs, college scholarships, or professional development pathways, coaches and recruiters are increasingly looking beyond stats and highlight reels.
What matters just as much as how a player performs is who they are when they’re not performing.
Character is no longer a buzzword or secondary trait.
It is a measurable, observable set of behaviours and habits that shape how a player practices, competes, connects, and grows. In the modern recruitment process, character can be the tiebreaker or even the deciding factor.
Let’s look at four specific and commonly observed ways that character shows up during the recruitment process.
These aren’t abstract ideals; they’re real moments that reveal how a player might fit into a team’s culture, respond to coaching, and handle the mental demands of elite sport.
1. How They Treat Teammates When No One’s Watching
Character often reveals itself in the margins, in moments not designed for recognition.
Scouts and recruiters are no longer evaluating just what a player does with the ball. They’re paying attention to everything else: reactions during substitutions, encouragement on the bench, interactions during timeouts, and how a player responds to their teammates’ successes and failures.
One coach from a European pro academy put it simply:
“I don’t just watch how they play—I watch how they behave between plays.”
A player who cheers when a teammate dives for a loose ball, even if it results in a turnover, is showing investment in something larger than themselves.
A player who pouts after being subbed out or ignores a teammate’s high-five after a tough play shows a lack of emotional maturity and team awareness.
Why it matters:
Elite programs invest in people, not just performers. Teams want athletes who will enhance their culture, not complicate it.
Teammates matter. Even the most talented player can become a liability if they isolate themselves or disrupt cohesion.
Emotional intelligence is the new currency. Programs want players who uplift others, regulate themselves, and stay engaged regardless of their role in the moment.
What recruiters notice:
Whether players celebrate others’ success, even when they’re not playing
Body language on the bench
The ability to stay connected to the game when they’re not the centre of it
2. How They Respond to Coaching and Feedback
Character is revealed most clearly when the ego is challenged.
Recruiters are constantly assessing a player's coachability, not just their willingness to listen, but their ability to process, apply, and grow from feedback.
This isn’t about blind obedience; it’s about openness, curiosity, and resilience.
When a coach points out a flaw, whether it’s technical (e.g., footwork) or behavioural (e.g., poor shot selection), what happens next is crucial.
Does the player sulk? Push back? Blame someone else? Or do they nod, ask a question, and get to work?
Why it matters:
Programs want learners. Players who can’t handle feedback will struggle to grow in high-performance environments.
Adaptability is essential. The game changes at every level - physically, tactically, emotionally. Coaches look for players who can adjust.
Ego and insecurity are red flags. Teams want confidence, not arrogance. Recruits who can separate identity from critique are far more likely to thrive.
What recruiters notice:
How players receive in-game corrections
Eye contact and attentiveness in team talks
Whether the same mistakes are repeated. or corrected
3. How They Compete When Things Aren’t Going Their Way
It’s easy to look locked-in when you’re hitting shots, winning matchups, or racking up points. But what happens when you’re not?
One of the clearest indicators of character is how a player competes in adversity, whether that’s a poor shooting night, a blown call, or being benched.
Scouts want to see how a player responds when the script flips.
Why it matters:
Adversity is inevitable. Coaches want athletes who don’t disappear when things get hard.
Energy and effort must be consistent. Every player has off nights, but character-driven players find ways to contribute anyway - defensively, vocally, emotionally.
Mental toughness is non-negotiable. Programs value players who can stay present, stay focused, and find ways to add value.
What recruiters notice:
Defensive effort when the offense isn’t working
Body language after a mistake or a bad call
Engagement on the bench after being subbed out
4. How They Treat Support Staff and Others Outside the Spotlight
You can learn a lot about a player by how they treat people they don’t think “matter.”
Whether it’s team managers, referees, opposing coaches, or even hotel and facility staff. These interactions reveal the deeper layers of a person’s character.
Many programs are now asking support staff what they observed. Why?
Because respect and humility are traits that sustain long careers and help build resilient teams.
Why it matters:
Respect is culture. Coaches know that players who treat others well will likely respect team rules, boundaries, and people.
Entitlement is a red flag. Players who think they’re above common courtesy often think they’re above accountability.
Leaders show up in small ways. Coaches want players who bring maturity and humility to the team environment.
What recruiters notice:
Whether a player thanks the team manager or athletic trainer
How a player speaks to referees during games
Their demeanour in meals, team settings, and travel situations
Character is Always On Show
When coaches say, “We’re recruiting character,” they don’t mean abstract values on a locker room wall.
They mean observable behaviours. Habits. Reactions. Small moments that reveal who you are, especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
In youth sports, too many players focus solely on performance metrics: points per game, shooting percentage, and rankings. And while these matter, they’re only part of the picture.
Character is the separator.
The best player on the stat sheet might not be the best fit for the team.
The most vocal player might not be the best leader.
The most naturally gifted athlete might not be the most reliable one.
For youth and part-time coaches, this offers a powerful shift in focus: You’re not just developing athletes—you’re developing people.
Helping players understand that their character is constantly on display can be a game-changer. Not just for recruitment, but for their growth, confidence, and maturity.
Key Takeaways for Coaches:
Talk about character early and often. Don’t assume players understand what it looks like.
Celebrate non-stat moments. Things such as hustle, encouragement, resilience, as loudly as points and assists.
Use film and feedback not just for technical analysis, but to highlight character moments.
Role model the behaviours you want your players to show.
Key Takeaways for Players:
You are always being evaluated, even when you’re not playing.
How you respond to coaching, teammates, and setbacks says more than your highlight reel.
Talent may get you in the room. Character decides if you stay.
In recruitment, character isn’t the extra credit. It’s part of the test. Make sure you’re preparing for it.