How To Get Recruited

Starting the Recruiting Process

The recruiting process is a journey that is directed mostly by you. The more you know about the recruiting process—and the more effort you put into getting the results you want—the better chance you have to fulfill your dream of competing at the college level. 

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There are a few things you have to consider when beginning the process:

 

1. Your Talent, Expectations, and Interest in a school

You have to have a realistic assessment of how you stack up against other student-athletes. This is sometimes the hardest part because it is tough to have a true assessment of yourself. But there is no point in striving for a DI scholarship if you don’t have the size or skills to compete at that level. Most importantly, you have to be honest with yourself about your desire to compete at the college level. It’s nothing like high school; everything is more intense, from training, to the competition, to the academics, and also the time management.

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2. Learn About the Different Divisions and Levels

•  NCAA Division I—This is the highest level of college athletics and, thus, the most competitive. D1 schools typically have large budgets, expensive facilities, and the student-athletes are expected to train and travel extensively.

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• NCAA Division II—D2 athletes are provided a little more balance in their lives and college careers. Sometimes the overall picture may not be as intense, there is still a huge commitment. Scholarships are also offered at this level.

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• NCAA Division III—No athletic scholarships are offered for D3 student-athletes, but there are many other forms of financial aid. The competition levels at Division 3 schools are still very high and intense, but practice seasons are shorter, and the focus on academics is stressed more.

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• NAIA—A much smaller community than the NCAA (approximately 250 schools). NAIA is a great option for student-athletes who love their sport but are looking for a smaller or private college, or a specific major.

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• NJCAA—Junior college (JUCO) is a good option if you are looking to get a sense of what college athletics are like at a two-year institution before moving on to a four-year college. Many student-athletes compete at the JUCO level because they are working on their NCAA eligibility, trying to advance their skill, or are trying to save money before transferring to a four-year college.

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• NCCAA–A community of Christ-centered institutions with nearly 100 schools, the NCCAA is a great option if you are looking for a faith-based education while competing in the sport they love. Athletic scholarships are offered at the NCCAA Division I level. The NCCAA Division II level is not permitted to offer athletic scholarships, but there are other forms of financial aid. 

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​Searching for Colleges.

Here are some steps to help you with the process:

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1. Student-athletes usually have a couple of dream schools in mind.

2.  The chances of those coaches recruiting their position and offering a scholarship might not be too likely.

3. That’s why you need research several programs and build a school list to maximize your opportunities and find the best college matches.

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Communicating with Coaches

​When families think about college recruiting, communicating with coaches is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And it is a very important part of the process! However, there are a lot of misconceptions about when and how athletes can contact coaches. We provide expert insights into

• Emailing college coaches

• Calling college coaches

• Texting college coaches

• Using your social media accounts for recruiting

• What recruiting letters mean and how to respond

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​Creating a Highlight or Skills Video

​A great highlight video can sometimes be a difference-maker that gets a student-athlete some serious attention from college coaches. We explain what coaches look for in highlight and skills videos and help families capture the right footage for their athletes.

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Attending Camps and Showcases

​There are numerous events for student-athletes to attend. From camps to combines, showcases to evaluation camps, and so much more, it’s important to know the purpose of each one and to narrow down what’s right for you in your recruiting.

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