By the time an athlete is considered a college prospect, a baseline talent level is a must. But, says former Stanford University gymnastics coach Larissa Fontaine, character is also key. Those considerations go well beyond even the "intangibles" coaches so often cite, such as competitive toughness, to such matters as whether the recruit has the character to adjust to living away from home for the first time.

Even in an individual sport such as gymnastics, attitude toward team was an important character consideration to Fontaine. She looked for individuals who were willing and able to collaborate.

This video is a great reminder to athletes, as well as the coaches and parents who develop them, to build character-education into the youth and high school sports experience.

For more tips, check out these 5 Keys To Getting Recruited To Play College Sports.