By Laura Chmiel on November 7, 2016

Summer is prime time for meeting with coaches at camps and on college tours. While this is super exciting, it can also feel nerve-wracking when it comes to the many things to prepare for before a visit. How should you dress when you’re meeting a college coach? What are the right questions to ask coaches? What should you bring with you?

These are just a few of the thoughts that have most-likely crossed your mind in anticipation for your time together.

Your body language is just as important.

Something we don’t always think about is our overall demeanor when meeting with a college coach. What type of person are you presenting yourself as? Are you making the best impression you can?

One of the biggest factors in a coach’s first impression of you is your body language.

Body language that displays you are engaged, in control, open, and receptive of information could be what sets you apart from the other recruit who–however unintentionally–looks disinterested.

When you’re meeting a college coach, do:

• Make eye contact.
• Give a solid, firm handshake.
• Stay engaged in the conversation.
• Smile, and thank the coach for their time.

When you’re meeting a college coach, don’t:

• Look down at the ground, or at the clock.
• Check your phone. Ever. Turn it off beforehand, if it’ll be tempting.
• Fidget or play with your hair.

The problem with these examples of body language is that they give the appearance that you’re bored or disinterested. Or in the case of fidgeting, that you’re not confident enough in yourself and what you can provide for the coach if you fill their roster spot.

Remember the great athletic lessons you’ve learned on your way to get to this point. You should be confident in what’s brought you to this stage in your athletic recruiting. And above all, even above looking and feeling your best going into a meeting with a college coach, don’t leave out the most important factor: being yourself.

Article originally published by NCSA Sports