The Journey of Persistence: Luke Splaine’s Recruitment Story
Working with Luke Splaine was a truly rewarding experience. Luke came to me through a referral from my friend Coach Brennan Ronald, who coached at Bellarmine College Preparatory. Luke, a Bellarmine alum, was playing linebacker at Foothill College and needed assistance with his recruiting process. Coach Ronald and I decided to collaborate on this endeavor through group texts, working closely to maximize Luke’s opportunities.
From the outset, Luke expressed his openness to all opportunities, whether they were walk-on positions or scholarships. This was during the challenging times of the pandemic, which severely limited available opportunities. Despite this, Luke remained determined and focused on his goals. He shared with us that his top choice was Texas Christian University (TCU). Fortunately, I had a connection: a fellow Bellarmine alum who was the defensive back coach at TCU. This connection could potentially open doors for Luke.
Our strategy began with making sure Luke’s social media profiles were polished and professional, highlighting the right information for coaches to see. We then advised him to start filling out recruiting questionnaires for various colleges. To showcase his skills, Luke created videos of himself performing fundamental drills and posted them online. Despite these efforts, results were slow to come by. We had sporadic conversations with coaches, but nothing substantial materialized initially.
Luke’s next move was to take matters into his own hands by emailing coaches directly. He sent out emails to nearly 1,000 coaches, but frustratingly, he did not receive any responses. This period of uncertainty and lack of feedback was undoubtedly tough, but Luke’s resilience never wavered.
Throughout this process, Luke also applied to colleges, including his dream school, TCU. His persistence paid off when he finally received a response from TCU. They offered him a position as a preferred walk-on. This was a significant milestone in his journey, allowing him to join the TCU team. Not only did he achieve his goal of playing for TCU, but he also became part of the team that competed in the college football national championship.
Working with Luke taught me invaluable lessons about the power of persistence in the recruiting process. His relentless effort and unwavering determination were key factors in his success. Additionally, leveraging networks and connections can play a crucial role in opening doors and creating opportunities. Luke’s journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the impact of having a supportive network.
Luke Splaine’s story is an inspiring reminder that even in the face of challenges, dedication and hard work can lead to achieving one’s dreams. His journey underscores the importance of staying persistent and finding the right people to support and guide you along the way.
