The New York Times recently interviewed college coaches from a variety of sports about what they look for when recruiting prospective student athletes. Of course, the advice pertains to students who are hoping to play sports in college. But I’m sharing the link, and some excerpts below, because as the introduction to the article notes, the advice—like work hard, use good judgment, and be a good sport—will help any student succeed, whether or not you’re an athlete.

I always find it interesting to get a voicemail from a parent saying that their son is so busy that he can’t call me himself. Until that kid picks up the phone, I assume they are not interested. When you see a kid who has taken ownership of the process, it tells you that, by and large, they will take ownership of other things in their lives, too.

-Gene McCabe, head coach of men’s lacrosse at Washington and Lee University

There are kids I don’t recruit because I see their social media. When I see an inappropriate [post], like provocative pictures or inappropriate language, it’s a red flag.

-Audra Smith, head coach of women’s basketball at Clemson University

The biggest asset I look for on the field, past athleticism and skill, is intrinsic drive. The most successful student athletes that I have coached are the ones that, first minute or last minute, winning or losing, hot day or cold day, cup final or “easier game,” show the same type of attitude. If somebody has that drive and work ethic, they will continuously grow and develop.

-Jeremy Gunn, head coach of men’s soccer at Stanford University

We vet players by talking to their club coaches. I want to know: Is this the kid who after practice is by themselves, wearing their headphones, walking quickly off the field? Or is this the kid who picks up the cones and the pinnies and helps out? I want the kid who picks up the cones, who has that awareness of other people. In developing a team, I look for people who are not selfish. I honestly would take A- or B+ level talent but A+ characteristics because those people tend to rise when things get harder.

-Tracey Bartholomew, head coach of women’s soccer at Columbia University