Freshman year is all about discovering who you are as a player and as a student. Put the work in making sure your counselor knows  you are interested in playing college athletics and begin to research the type of schools you would be interested in attending academically. 

Large Division 1 schools are not for everyone, neither are small community colleges. Develop your academic plan and then start to see how athletics will fit into this plan.

After all, you will be a 

STUDENT FIRST and ATHLETE SECOND

The most important factor in a successful recruiting plan is making sure that the school you select is a good fit.

 

Questions to ask yourself?

  • What level can I play at? Your coaches will be key to this part of the process

  • What do I want to study?

  • Where do I want to live?

 

RESEARCH-RESEARCH-RESEARCH

Begin to create a target list of schools-be sure to include options that are not only dream schools, but fall back options. Begin to research the rosters of these schools to discover what their needs may potentially be by the time you would join their roster. 

WHERE TO PLAY-OPTIONS

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

  •  NCAA Division II—While still a competitive division, DII athletes are provided more balance in their lives, as training and competition aren’t as intense. Scholarships are also offered at this level.

  •  NCAA Division III—No athletic scholarships are offered for DIII student-athletes, but there are many other forms of financial aid, including academic scholarships. The competition levels are still very high, but practice seasons are shorter, and there’s more of an academic focus.

  •  NAIA—A much smaller community than the NCAA—with a little over 250 schools—the 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. Schools offer both athletic and academic scholarships.

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