Jeanette Priest Bell, a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder and President of RecruitMe Sports, has been making waves in the world of college athletics recruiting. With her unwavering determination and passion for empowering young athletes, Jeanette is revolutionizing the way high school athletes connect with colleges and universities across the country.
Before her foray into sports entrepreneurship, Jeanette embarked on a professional journey that took her from auditing to medical sales. After completing her education at the University of Tennessee, Jeanette initially pursued a career in auditing. However, she soon realized this field didn’t align with her personality and sought a change. Transitioning into medical sales, she found fulfillment in working directly with people. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, including limitations in the medical sales industry, Jeanette contemplated a new career direction.
Throughout this period, Jeanette remained deeply involved in youth sports as a devoted mother to her two athletic daughters. From traveling the country with her daughters who were seeking to play collegiate sports, she witnessed firsthand the chaotic and unproductive nature of the existing system. This firsthand experience ignited a desire for a more efficient and empowering solution for high school athletes navigating the recruitment journey.
“As a mother of two daughters who participated in high school sports, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact athletics can have on young women. It’s inspired me to start RecruitMe Sports to ensure that female athletes have the same opportunities and access to college athletic scholarships as their male counterparts.” The vague advice of “send some emails and let coaches know when you’re playing” felt insufficient and left athletes and their families feeling lost in the dark. Motivated by her observations, Jeanette undertook extensive research, leading to the development of the RecruitMe Sports app.
RecruitMe Sports, a groundbreaking app designed to simplify the recruiting process, has become a game-changer for thousands of young athletes. The app empowers athletes to take control of their recruiting journey by creating comprehensive profiles that showcase their athletic and academic achievements, stats, and highlights. They can then add their upcoming events to the app’s event calendar, allowing college coaches to easily track their performance schedule. Through the app, athletes can directly message coaches from over 25,000 NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA schools, facilitating direct connections and increasing visibility.
With a focus on inclusivity, RecruitMe Sports currently services 12 sports, including tennis, golf, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track and field, swimming and diving, basketball, football, and softball. Jeanette and her team have plans to expand to additional sports, ensuring that athletes from various disciplines have access to the same opportunities.
Drawing upon her experience in medical sales, Jeanette understands the importance of effective communication and personal branding. She encourages athletes to showcase their athletic abilities, present themselves professionally, and develop strong interpersonal skills. Recognizing the significance of academic achievement, Jeanette emphasizes the need for athletes to maintain strong grades alongside their athletic pursuits.
RecruitMe Sports has not only provided a platform for athletes but also seeks to educate and inform them about the recruiting process. Jeanette and her team are dedicated to providing valuable resources and knowledge to young athletes, empowering them to make informed decisions and navigate the often-complex world of college athletics recruiting.
Looking ahead, Jeanette envisions an exciting future for college athletics recruiting. With the rise of the transfer portal and the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the landscape is evolving rapidly. RecruitMe Sports is prepared to adapt and keep athletes and coaches at the forefront of these changes. The team is developing a transfer portal feature within the app and continually updating the platform to reflect the latest trends and developments.
As RecruitMe Sports continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young athletes, Jeanette’s goals and plans for the future remain steadfast. The company aims to expand its reach, introduce new features, and explore avenues that will further support athletes and coaches. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Jeanette and the RecruitMe Sports team are determined to empower athletes to achieve their dreams and pave the way for a future where every athlete has an equal opportunity to succeed.
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