Consulting for Families Navigating the College Recruiting Journey

APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER

FOUNDER INSIGHTS

Rethinking the Recruiting Model

JBC did not begin as a comprehensive advisory practice. Like many in the space, it started with a narrower focus—helping players navigate the recruiting process, make introductions, and find opportunities to play at the next level. But over time, it became clear that the traditional model—transactional, exposure-driven, and often reactive—was not serving players or families as well as it could.

What emerged instead was an evolution grounded in a different philosophy: that successful outcomes in college baseball recruiting are not built on access alone, but on clarity, discipline, and ownership.

JBC has grown into a full advisory practice by intentionally expanding beyond “placement” into process. Rather than chasing offers or relying on mass outreach, the focus shifted toward building repeatable systems—helping players understand where they fit academically and athletically, how to communicate effectively with coaches, and how to manage their own recruiting journey with purpose. The goal is not simply to get recruited, but to do so in a way that aligns with long-term development and fit.

This approach is, in many ways, uncommon in the current landscape. Much of the industry still prioritizes visibility over substance, encouraging players to attend more events, send more emails, and cast wider nets. JB, by contrast, emphasizes selectivity and preparation. Players are taught to identify realistic target schools, communicate with intention, and build genuine relationships with coaches—skills that extend well beyond the recruiting process itself.

Equally important is the emphasis on accountability. JBC does not aim to replace the player in the process, but to equip them. Especially as players get older, ownership of communication and decision-making becomes central. Parents and advisors play a role, but the player is expected to lead. This shift not only improves recruiting outcomes, but prepares young athletes for the independence required at the college level.

At its core, the evolution of JBC reflects a belief that doing things the right way—thoughtfully, systematically, and with integrity—still matters. In a crowded and often noisy recruiting environment, that commitment to substance over shortcuts has become its defining characteristic.

Jeff Burton, CEO

JBC LACROSSE | COACH PAIGE POSSE (MORIARTY)

Turn Your Summer Lacrosse Season Into Opportunity

Maximizing your summer recruiting efforts starts with being intentional about where you spend your time.

Aim to attend 1–2 high-quality showcases that feature 5+ college programs; this will allow you to gain exposure and build relationships with multiple coaches in a single setting.

You should also prioritize 1–3 individual college clinics hosted by schools you are interested in that align with your academic standing. Clinics hosted by college coaches provide valuable face time with the staff and give you the chance to experience campus life firsthand by touring facilities, connecting with current players, and seeing what life on campus is truly like.

For rising seniors, the summer is a critical window to compete in front of coaches on your school list, while freshmen and sophomores should focus on beginning outreach, competing in high-level events, and developing a clearer sense of what they want in their college experience by touring campuses and researching what different colleges have to offer.

Ride the wave of the summer season by bonding with your club teammates, training hard in addition to practices and tournaments, and making yourself seen by attending events where you can showcase your best self.



JBC BASKETBALL | COACH RYAN INGRAM

Pay Attention to the Little Things

I’d like to start this edition of the newsletter with a short recruiting story of my own.

I was at the UPenn Basketball Camp along with hundreds of other prospective DI, DII, and DIII players. While I had a good camp, I didn’t feel like I played well enough to stand out — especially as someone who didn’t have the height or athleticism to immediately get a coach’s attention.

I did, however, receive a message from Landry Kosmalski, the head coach at Swarthmore College.

That message began my recruiting journey and ultimately led to my commitment to Swarthmore before my senior year of high school. By the end of my college career, our class finished with an 86% winning percentage, made two Elite Eights, and reached a National Championship game.

Later on, I was talking with Landry about our recruiting stories. He told me that the thing that initially stood out to him at that UPenn camp was that, among all those players, I was the only one with my jersey tucked in.

Coaches all have a list of small things they look for to determine if a player is the right “fit” for their program. Sometimes it’s not your height, your stats, or how many points you scored that day. Sometimes it’s something as simple as how you carry yourself, your attention to detail, or yes, even having your jersey tucked in.

Those little things are signals to coaches about who you are and how you’ll show up every day. And every once in a while, one of those small details can be the thing that creates an opportunity you never saw coming.



JBC BASEBALL | COACH ADAM SCHLENOFF

The Value of Showcases (Showball, Headfirst, and Beyond), Part 1

Showcases like Showball and Headfirst can be valuable—but only if you understand what they are and what they are not.

At their core, showcases are an opportunity to separate yourself. You’re not just being evaluated—you’re being evaluated against 150–200 other very good players. The reality is that the players who walk away with the most attention are the ones who clearly stand out. That usually means loud tools, strong metrics, or something that immediately grabs a coach’s attention.

That said, showcases aren’t just about raw performance—they’re about confirmation.

If you’ve done a strong job with your email outreach—introducing yourself, explaining your strengths, and positioning why you’re a good fit—then the showcase becomes your chance to prove it. If you tell a coach you’re a tough out at the plate, you need to give them evidence of that when they’re watching. That only works if coaches already know who you are and what to look for, which is why pre-showcase communication is critical.

Body Language Is Always Being Evaluated

Every movement is being watched and noted.

• Slumped shoulders
• Head down after failure
• Lack of hustle

All of it gets recorded—positively or negatively.

Great players separate themselves with:

• Energy
• Composure
• Confidence

Interacting with Coaches

If you have the opportunity to introduce yourself:

• Firm handshake
• Eye contact
• Be clear and confident

Say:

• Your name
• Grad year
• High school
• Position

Let them know you’ll follow up—and then actually follow up.

And make sure somewhere in your profile there’s a clear picture of you. Coaches need to connect the name, the face, and the performance.

Coming Next Month: How to Perform at a Showcase



JBC MIDSEASON STANDOUTS

STAY CONNECTED

Whether you're just beginning your journey or making your final choice, JBC is here to help you navigate with clarity, confidence, and care. Please reach out if you or someone you know would like to learn more! Thanks again for your partnership in our growth.



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