How To Get Recruited
Starting the Recruiting Process
The recruiting process is your journey. The more you understand how it works—and the more effort you invest in it—the greater your chances of achieving your dream of competing at the college level.
Success in recruiting starts with these key considerations:
1. Your Talent, Expectations, and Interest in a school
A realistic self-assessment is key. One of the hardest parts of the recruiting process is honestly evaluating how you compare to other student-athletes. While aiming for a Division I scholarship is a great dream, it’s important to recognize if your size, skills, and performance truly align with that level.
Most importantly, be honest with yourself about your desire to compete at the college level. College athletics is nothing like high school—the training, competition, academics, and time management are all far more demanding. Understanding this from the start will set you up for success.
2. Know Your Options: College Athletic Divisions
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NCAA Division I – This is the highest level of college athletics, and also the most competitive. Division I programs usually have larger athletic budgets, top-tier facilities, and strong national recognition. Student-athletes at this level are expected to commit significant time to training, traveling, and competing—making it a demanding but highly rewarding experience.
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NCAA Division II – Division II offers student-athletes a better balance between athletics, academics, and personal life. While the overall intensity may be slightly less than Division I, competing at this level still requires a significant commitment. Scholarships are available, making it a great option for athletes seeking both competitive sports and a well-rounded college experience.
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NCAA Division III – Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but student-athletes can access many other forms of financial aid. While the level of competition remains high and intense, practice seasons are generally shorter, and there is a stronger emphasis on academics and overall college experience.
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NAIA – The NAIA is a smaller collegiate athletic association, with around 250 member schools. It’s an excellent option for student-athletes who are passionate about their sport but prefer a smaller or private college, or are seeking a specific academic program.
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NJCAA (Junior College / JUCO) – Junior colleges are a great option for student-athletes who want to experience college athletics at a two-year institution before moving on to a four-year school. Many athletes compete at the JUCO level to improve their skills, work on NCAA eligibility, or save money before transferring to a four-year college.
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NCCAA – The NCCAA is a community of nearly 100 Christ-centered institutions, making it an excellent choice for student-athletes seeking a faith-based education while competing in the sport they love. Athletic scholarships are available at the Division I level. Division II schools cannot offer athletic scholarships, but students can still access other forms of financial aid.
Searching for Colleges.
Steps to Help You With the Recruiting Process:
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Identify Your Dream Schools – Most student-athletes have a few schools they hope to attend.
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Understand Your Chances – Keep in mind that not every school may have a need for your position or be able to offer a scholarship.
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Build a Targeted School List – Research multiple programs and create a list of schools to maximize your opportunities and find the best college fit both athletically and academically.
Communicating with Coaches
When families think about college recruiting, reaching out to coaches is often the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason! Effective communication is a crucial part of the process. However, there are many misconceptions about when and how student-athletes can contact coaches.
We provide expert guidance on:
📧 Emailing College Coaches – How to craft messages that get noticed.
📞 Calling College Coaches – Best practices for phone communication.
💬 Texting College Coaches – When and how it’s appropriate.
📱 Using Social Media for Recruiting – Tips to highlight your skills and professionalism online.
✉️ Understanding Recruiting Letters – What they mean and how to respond.
Creating a Highlight or Skills Video
A strong highlight video can be a game-changer, helping student-athletes get noticed by college coaches. We guide families on what coaches are looking for in both highlight and skills videos, and provide tips to capture the right footage that showcases your athlete’s strengths.
Attending Camps and Showcases
There are many events for student-athletes to attend—camps, combines, showcases, evaluation camps, and more. Each event serves a different purpose, so it’s important to understand what each offers and to focus on the ones that are the best fit for your recruiting goals.