Who gives a flying Tweet?Athletes, prospective players and Pirate athletics fans do, so the Orange Coast College coaching staff should get on it.
I used to feel skeptical too until I started using Twitter and realized its potential.
For those who do not know, Twitter is a web-based messaging system that allows 140 characters to express one’s thoughts through the Internet or in a text message.
The message, known as Tweet, is supposed to answer the question, “What are you doing right now?”
First is for the recruiting process — which, in my opinion, separates a great community college coach froman OK one.
I was, and still am, a college athlete and the first thing we want to know is what the coach is like before picking out our school.
Twitter would provide athletes with what type of personality a coach has, how they run their program and what connections they have.
If an athlete sees an OCC coach is following (Twitter’s way of saying who you are friends with) prominent Division-I coaches, members of the press or former players, it shows a willing coach that’ll help you transfer, give you press and attract interest from other universities and coaches.
Coast head softball coach Ruby Rojas (her Twitter is rrojas8) said she mainly used Twitter to remain in contact with other coaches and players.
By looking at who Rojas is following and who she is followed by, you realize that she knows famous softball athletes and coaches. By the messages exchanged between them, you also realize she is passionate about her sport.
Not only that, if I saw that a coach still kept in contact with former players, I’d believe that coach is likeable and cares more about just what you can do in games and practices.
Second advantage is giving the followers news about the team and program.
If you want more people to show up for your first home game, post information about the team’s fundraiser or Tweet about a heartbreaking loss but how the team should keep their heads up, Twitter allows for that.
I’m not talking about having to write a novel every time. A simple, less than 140 characters Tweet will go a long way.
Third advantage is that the potential is endless. You can use it to whichever way you think is for the best.
For the OCC Sports Blog, I plan to use it for covering games live, posting interesting quotes from athletes, showing important game dates and for breaking news.
I’m interested in what the coaches will do with Twitter and so is Rojas. She Tweeted to me, @OccSports, “Thats right!!! Let’s spread the word so all the coaches at OCC can have a twitter account.”
I’m hoping I did just that.
[Photo courtesy of jhuskisson.com]
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