REALITIES OF COLLEGE ATHLETIC RECRUITING:

 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

The following outline of topics is provided as a starting point for consideration. Any family who wishes to pursue athletics as a component of a student's post-secondary experience is encouraged to make an appointment to meet with Athletic Director Kevin Sims.

COLLEGIATE DIVISIONS

• NCAA … Divisions I, II, III
• NAIA
• NJCAA
• NCCAA

WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF PROGRESSING IN ATHLETICS BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL?

To give you an idea, the link below provides data published by the NCAA.
 

http://www.ncaa.org/research/prob_of_competing/

TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS

• State Institutions
• Private Institutions
• U.S. Military Academies
• State or Private Military Academies
• Junior Colleges

SCHOLARSHIP REALITIES

• Scholarship money for academics is 13-15 times greater than scholarship money for athletics
• Need-based financial aid
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Variance among collegiate divisions & sports
• Work-study – loans – outright grants

ACADEMICS

• Quality courses / honors & AP if appropriate
• SAT / ACT testing / preparations
• Track GPA, core courses, & class rank
• Know the NCAA minimums, yet recognize schools & conferences may have higher standards
• NCAA Clearinghouse

o                   A central clearinghouse will certify your athletics eligibility for Division I and II

o                   No bearing on admission to a DI or DII institution

o                   Register after your junior year is complete

o                   Standardized test scores, official transcripts, and an application fee

o                   You can mark on the SAT or ACT to have scores automatically sent

o                   The schools to which you apply can request a copy of your NCAA Clearinghouse results

COLLEGE CONSIDERATIONS

• Strength & diversity of fields of study
• Size of school & classes
• Location (proximity to family; urban v suburban v rural; transportation; climate)
• Environment (social life, religious practices, composition of student body; housing realities)
• Competitiveness of college (admissions volume; acceptance rates; graduation rates)
• Quality of faculty
• Job placement & graduate school placement records
• Good fit with school absent athletic considerations
• Affordability (don’t eliminate schools prematurely)

ATHLETIC EXPOSURE

• Competitive environments (visible tournaments; competitive contests; camps at colleges of interest; competitive camps; club / select / Olympic development activity); high school competition may bring relatively low exposure
• Connect with local college coaches
• Inform coaches of when and where you are playing
• Shy away from recruiting services

ATHLETIC PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS

• Level of play … which division? How competitive?
• Style of play
• Needs of college program
• Time commitment
• Facilities
• Expertise & personality of head coach & staff
• Professionalism of head coach & staff
• Personality & commitment of college team members
• Exposure to future goals

TAKING THE INITIATIVE

• Only 2% of all athletes on college rosters received initial contact from the school
• Only the top 2% of all athletes are actively recruited by colleges
• Assert yourself  & market yourself … recruiting is very much a two-way process
• Campus visits (timing; preparation; interaction with students, team, coaches; observe team compete; attend class) … official v unofficial
• Proper letters of interest (personalized; request information on school & athletic program & financial aid; one-page resume
• Resume
• Neat; typed; concise; relevant information; quality references with contact information; personal information (name, phone number with mature greeting, mailing address, mature email address, birthdate, height, weight, SSN); academic information (graduation year, school name & contact information; standardized test scores ~ ERBs; PSAT; SAT; ACT; APs; GPA; class rank); athletic information (highlight primary sport; list only accolades since beginning high school; list all data from most recent to oldest); leadership information; community involvement information; job information; personal information (hobbies, special talents, special interests, goals); references (names, contact information, credentials)
• Follow up resume with phone call or email 2-3 weeks later
• Maintain contact via polished email
• Initiative from the player impresses; initiative from the parents offends ~ parent involvement appropriate later in process, especially if $$$ is discussed
• Appropriate video
• Appropriate sharing of achievements   

RECRUITING RULES

• To learn about recruiting parameters, member schools, eligibility, and clearinghouse matters among NCAA schools, visit http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal
• To learn about recruiting parameters, member schools, and eligibility matters among NAIA schools, visit http://naia.cstv.com/

TIDBITS

• Recruiting is an imperfect science. Be careful to take offense and be careful to feel flattered. Situations are fluid and change happens. Maintain your objectivity and balance.
• Prompt attention to communication from coaches makes a positive impression.
• Trust your gut.
• Keep your options open.
• Communicate with coaches. Be honest with all coaches at all times about your intentions and feelings. If you decide you are no longer interested in a particular school, it is classy to inform the coach and to thank the coach for the commitment of time, energy and interest.
• Drug testing varies among schools and conferences.
• Transfer policies vary among schools and conferences.

ACTION PLAN

• Perform in the classroom and on the field
• Assess your strengths as a player and student athlete
• Begin the college identification process early
• Select 7-10 compatible college programs base on your needs and ability
• Narrow the list to your top 3-5 choices by eliminating those programs that are not a good fit for you academically, athletically or financially
• Communicate your abilities directly to college coaches through your resume and cover letter
• Evaluate your options as a student first and an athlete second
• Choose the one college or university that best fits your needs and abilities.

The right choice for you means that it fully meets your objectives for a degree plan and athletic program, all at a cost you and your family can afford.