Many student-athletes dream of playing their sport in college. However, the journey from high school athlete to college athlete requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog post, we’ll explore what student-athletes need to know about as they enter the college recruiting process.
Before diving into the college planning and recruiting timeline, student-athletes should be aware of some fundamental principles.
Understand Your Values and Motivations
It's crucial to have a clear understanding of why you want to play your sport in college. Are you driven by a love for the game, the desire to compete at a higher level, or the pursuit of a future career in sports? Knowing your motivations will guide your college planning process and help you identify schools and athletic programs that are a good fit.
Explore College Readiness & Time Management
The college athlete experience is different from the typical college journey. Student-athletes need to be prepared for rigorous schedules that include athletic, academic, and social commitments. In high school, many student-athletes are supported by their parents. But in college, student-athletes will have to balance their busy schedules on their own. It’s essential to develop strong time management skills and academic readiness during high school to have the foundation to succeed in college.
Be Willing to Self-Advocate
Much of the college recruiting process is student-driven. Students need to actively reach out to coaches, continuously communicate their achievements and goals, and advocate for themselves. Being proactive in the recruiting process is one key to getting noticed by college coaches.
Start Early
The college planning process for student-athletes begins earlier than it might for students who won’t be playing a sport in college. Coaches want to build the strongest recruiting class they can, and they want to finalize their roster sooner rather than later. It’s important to be prepared for the application process so there aren’t any hold-ups that could cost you your place on a team.
Student-Athlete College Planning Timeline
Freshman Year
In the first year of high school, student-athletes should focus on the following:
Academic Planning: Ensure you’re on track to take the right classes to meet college admission requirements, including core courses and GPA goals.
Sports Specialization Consideration: Decide whether to prioritize one sport or continue with multiple sports. While some coaches appreciate multi-sport athletes, it’s important not to spread yourself too thin.
Plan for High-Level Athletics: You’ll want to find your way to the highest level or league possible for your sport. Participate where you'll be noticed, and consider showcasing your skills in relevant tournaments and showcases. While it’s not the only way to get a coach’s attention, coaches tend to recruit at higher-level events.
Sophomore Year
Moving into sophomore year, it’s time to get serious about college planning:
Set a Budget for College: Begin thinking about the cost of college. Research scholarships, financial aid, and set your family’s budget for college. You don’t want to be recruited by a school you love only to have to turn down the offer because your family can’t afford the cost. Determining your financial fit first will let you tailor your college search process from the beginning.
Pro Tip - That athletic full-ride scholarship isn’t likely. While some colleges do award scholarships for athletes, the average Divison I scholarship is only $10,400. That number drops to $8,700 if you remove football and basketball from the equation. And remember, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships at all.
Create a College List: Start building a balanced list of potential colleges. Many student-athletes have two lists—one for academics and one for athletics—with some overlap between the two. Keep your college list flexible as your priorities may evolve.
Speak with Your Current Coaches: If you haven’t already, meet with your current coaches to express interest in playing in college. Seek advice about what it takes to reach your goal. Your coach can help you understand what college coaches in your sport may look for and how to prepare for the recruiting process.
Contact College Coaches: Begin reaching out to college coaches, expressing your interest, and sharing your achievements. Get on a coach’s radar early and be prepared to share athletic information like a sports resume or highlight videos.
Visit Schools: Tour the colleges on your list to get a feel for the campus, athletic facilities, and the overall environment.
Register for Eligibility Centers: Register with NCAA or other eligibility centers to ensure you meet the requirements.
Junior Year
By your junior year, it’s time to start preparing for your application process.
Test Prep & Standardized Testing: If required, prepare for and begin taking the SAT or ACT. Plan to finish testing by early spring at the latest. This way, you can get your scores to coaches who may request these numbers for evaluation.
Consistently Communicate with Coaches: Regularly communicate every 6-8 weeks with college coaches. Consistent athletic and academic updates will help coaches track your progress and athletic development, let them get to know you better, and ensure they know your continued interest in their program.
Begin Official Visits: Start scheduling official visits to colleges. These visits give you a closer look at the campus, the team, and the overall atmosphere.
Pre-Reads: Athletic offers are contingent on being admitted by the college, so some colleges have a preliminary evaluation process. College coaches may request academic information, such as transcripts and test scores, to determine whether you meet the initial eligibility and academic requirements for their program.
Senior Year
Athletes still go through the regular college application process. Enter senior year prepared so you can submit applications and make decisions early.
Use the Summer to Get Ahead: Work on your essays and applications over the summer and plan to submit your applications in early fall. Some coaches may request that you apply Early Decision or give your verbal commitment by a certain date.
Continue Athletic & Academic Participation: Maintain your athletic performance and focus on academics throughout your senior year. Colleges often want to see consistent dedication and progress. Recruitment offers and offers of admission can be rescinded if you aren’t holding up your end of the agreement to enter college prepared.
A Note for Juniors and Seniors: Even though this timeline starts in freshman year, it's not too late for juniors or seniors to start the process. Every student-athlete is unique, and every school’s recruitment process is different. In some cases, offers may come as late as May or June of the senior years.
The path to college as a student-athlete can be tough but incredibly rewarding. As you navigate this journey, remember that it's not just about sports, but also about personal growth. It's about knowing your "why," planning ahead, and taking initiative. With a clear plan and the right mindset, you can work toward your goal of playing college sports at a college that’s the best fit for you.