How to Create a Sports Resume: Stand Out & Get Recruited

David Logan
Apr 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

By Spectator Sport | Athlete Development Series: College Prep & Recruiting 101

You’ve put in the work.

You’ve got the highlights.

Now it’s time to show recruiters who you are, not just how you play.

Creating a sports resume is one of the most important steps in getting recruited.

It’s your introduction, your first impression, and your personal highlight reel on paper.

At Spectator Sport, we’re all about helping athletes level up, so here’s how to build a clean, powerful sports resume that opens doors and earns attention:

What Is a Sports Resume?

It’s a one-page document that gives coaches a clear, professional snapshot of:

Who you are
What you’ve accomplished
Why you’re worth watching

Think of it as your elevator pitch for college coaches.

What to Include on a Sports Resume

Here’s a winning structure every athlete should follow:

1. Header with Contact Info

At the top of your resume, include:

Full name
Sport & position(s)
Graduation year
High school + city/state
Phone number
Email address
Parent/guardian contact (optional)
Social media handle (only if it’s clean + sport-related)

2. Academic Info

Coaches want student-athletes. Make this count.

Current GPA (weighted & unweighted)
SAT/ACT scores (if taken)
Class rank (if impressive)
Honors, AP classes, academic awards

3. Athletic Stats & Achievements

Get specific. Keep it clean and verified.

Height / Weight
Sport-specific stats (e.g. 40-yard dash, batting average, vertical jump)
Positions played
Notable achievements (e.g. All-Region, State Qualifier, Captain)
Years varsity starter
Club teams, showcases, camps attended

4. Highlight Links

Video matters — don’t forget it.

Link to your highlight reel (YouTube, Hudl, etc.)
Include a QR code or hyperlink if digital
Optional: links to full-game film

Tip: Place this near the top of the page or under a bold heading: Watch My Highlights: [insert link]

5. Coach References

Include 1–2 trusted coaches who are ready to vouch for you.

Full name
Title (e.g. Head Coach, Strength Coach)
School/Organization
Email
Phone number

6. Personal Bio (Optional but Powerful)

One paragraph max. Share:

Why you love your sport
Your leadership traits
Your goals (e.g. play at the next level, study kinesiology, etc.)

Keep it humble, real, and authentic.

Resume Design Tips

Keep it one page
Use clean fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri)
Use bold headings for easy skimming
Save as a PDF
Name your file like this:Firstname_Lastname_SportsResume_2025.pdf

Where to Use Your Sports Resume

Emailing college coaches
Attending ID camps, combines, showcases
Submitting recruiting questionnaires
Linking in your Instagram or Hudl bio
Handing to scouts or recruiters at games

Sample Coach Outreach Message (Attach Resume)

Subject: 2025 WR – John Carter | 6’1” 185 lbs | Highlight Reel & Resume Attached Coach [Last Name], My name is John Carter, a senior WR from Pineview High (Class of 2025). I’m very interested in your program and would love to be considered for your recruiting class. I’ve attached my resume and included my highlight reel below. I’d be grateful for any feedback or the opportunity to speak further. Thank you for your time, John Carter j.carter@email.com [highlight link here]

Final Word: First Impressions Matter.

Your resume is your handshake, your intro, your shot to say: “Here’s who I am. I’m ready.”

So make it concise, clear, and most of all make sure it reflects the work you’ve put in behind the scenes.

At Spectator Sport, we don’t just film athletes.

We help them get recruited, get seen, and get ready for what’s next.