How To Improve Collaboration Between Admissions And Athletics

In this episode, Jeremy has a conversation with longtime coach and former Athletic Director, Deb-Biche Labbe. They talk through the disconnect that often exists between admissions and athletics on a college campus, and how to fix it.

Key Takeaways

• Shared Goals Between Athletics and Admissions: Both departments aim to recruit and retain students, but alignment requires intentional communication and collaboration.
• Break Down Silos: Regular meetings and joint training sessions between athletics and admissions can improve understanding and teamwork.
• Personalized Campus Visits Matter: Focus on connecting prospective students with current students and tailoring visits to highlight what matters most to them.
• Ask More Questions: Coaches and admissions counselors should prioritize understanding the needs and values of prospective students to better meet their expectations.
• Recruitment Lessons for Admissions: Learn to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, similar to how coaches highlight opportunities like roster spots or scholarships.
• Leadership Advice: Strong leaders communicate clearly, listen actively, and support their team’s professional goals with empathy and action.

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Episode Summary

Why Communication Between Athletics and Admissions is Key

Deb identifies a major disconnect on many campuses: a lack of communication between athletics and admissions. Coaches and admissions counselors share similar goals but often operate in silos. To bridge the gap:

• Schedule regular meetings involving coaches, admissions staff, and leadership to discuss shared goals and challenges.
• Provide joint training to enhance understanding of each department's processes.
• Foster open dialogue, starting with relationship-building and active listening.

Pro Tip: As a coach or admissions counselor, don’t hesitate to initiate these conversations. Begin with a positive, solution-oriented approach to avoid defensiveness.

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Hosting Memorable Campus Visits

Campus visits are pivotal for converting prospective students into enrolled ones. At Thomas College, the admissions office and athletics department collaborate closely to create personalized and impactful visit experiences. Deb shares her approach:

• Involve Current Students: Prospective student-athletes spend time with team members or tour guides who are also athletes.
• Prioritize Peer Interaction: Students often value candid conversations with peers over meetings with faculty or administrators.
• Flexibility is Key: Adapt visit structures to meet individual needs while maintaining a consistent template.

Takeaway: Tailor campus visits to make prospective students feel valued and connected to your institution’s community.

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Lessons Admissions Can Learn From Coaches

Coaches excel at creating urgency and showcasing unique opportunities, such as roster spots or scholarships. Admissions counselors can apply similar strategies by:

• Highlighting what makes the institution special for each student.
• Asking thoughtful questions to understand individual goals and motivations.
• Building relationships that emphasize personal attention and care.

Actionable Insight: Admissions teams can enhance their recruitment strategies by identifying and emphasizing "special opportunities" for prospective students, just as coaches do.

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Recruiting Today’s Students

Deb finds today’s generation of students exciting to recruit, describing them as decision-driven and tech-savvy. However, they prefer concise, direct communication and often make choices based on quick pros-and-cons evaluations. The challenge is staying updated with ever-evolving technology and social media platforms.

Advice for Recruiters: Focus on delivering clear, value-driven messages in an accessible format that resonates with the digital habits of younger audiences.

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Effective Leadership in Higher Education

Drawing on her experience as an athletic director, Deb shares her top leadership tips:

1. Over-Communicate: Clearly articulate expectations and listen actively to your team.
2. Show Appreciation: Express gratitude and acknowledge contributions regularly.
3. Provide Support: Empower team members by aligning your leadership with their professional goals.

Deb’s Insight: Leadership is about creating an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and supported to reach their full potential.

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This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

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About the Enrollify Podcast Network 

Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!