safety
Social media and your brand
9 min · beginner
Your social media is your resume now.
College coaches search every recruit's social media before making an offer. Brands do the same before NIL deals. What you post at 15 is permanent and public.
The 3-minute test
Before posting, ask: "Would I be comfortable if this were on a Jumbotron at my target school?"
What gets recruits cut
- Racist, sexist, homophobic language (even as jokes)
- Alcohol, drugs, weapons in photos
- Trash-talking teammates, coaches, or opponents publicly
- Political content that divides audiences (even if you're right)
What builds your brand
- Game highlights with context
- Training footage showing work ethic
- Community/team leadership moments
- Authentic personal interests (art, music, faith — anything real)
- Gratitude posts after wins AND losses
Privacy hygiene
- Main account: public, curated
- Finsta (friends only): know your "close friends" list is NOT actually private — teammates screenshot things
- Never post live location of where you are, especially unescorted
- Never message underage fans or minors if you're an adult; maintain professional DM settings
If something old shows up
Delete first, apologize second — do not pretend it didn't happen. Own it, show growth.