Recruiting Assistance
Starting the planning process early is always a smart move. The sooner you get involved, the more time you have to understand how everything works and figure out which strategies suit you best. Early preparation also helps make the entire process more manageable, reducing stress and helping you stay in control every step of the way. One thing to keep in mind, it's all about the effort YOU put into getting recruited.
Freshman Year
- Start building an academic plan that aligns with NCAA requirements.
- Learn what NCAA Core Courses are and why they matter for recruitment.
- Work with your family to set both short- and long-term academic goals.
- Get involved in clubs, activities, or community service.
- Begin exploring colleges that interest you and start building a long list.
- Talk with your coach and family about your athletic and academic goals.
- Remember: your freshman-year grades set the tone, so focus on strong academics early.
Sophomore Year
- Meet with your school counselor to review your progress and adjust your course plan as
needed. - Double-check that your classes meet NCAA Core Course requirements.
- Ask about AP classes to make sure you’re on track for the colleges you’re considering.
- Revisit your college list and begin narrowing it down.
- Take the PSAT.
- Create a balanced list of schools:
- Match: Schools that align well with your GPA, test scores, and athletic profile.
- Reach: More competitive schools with lower acceptance rates.
- Safety: Schools where admission is very likely based on your academics and
athletics.
- Build your profile on a recruiting platform and stay engaged with their webinars.
- Begin saving game footage and creating a highlight reel (keep it under six minutes).
- Note that Division I and II coaches cannot directly contact you until June 15 of
sophomore year. Before then, fill out recruiting questionnaires to show interest.
Junior Year
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
- Meet with your counselor to confirm you’re on track with coursework.
- Continue narrowing your college list, balancing both academic and athletic realities.
- Seek feedback from your coach or advisor about your progress.
- Attend college fairs and talk to admissions reps from schools you’re considering.
- Learn the admissions requirements for each school on your list.
- Plan college visits with your parents and reach out to coaches to coordinate.
- Keep track of SAT/ACT registration deadlines and sign up early.
- Take the SAT or ACT, whichever feels like the best fit.
- Respond promptly to communication from college coaches and keep them updated on
your game schedule. - Regularly refresh your recruiting profile and highlight video.
Senior Year
- Complete college applications on time and leave space to revise essays and gather
recommendation letters. - Stay on top of deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
- Submit your FAFSA.
- Check in with your counselor to confirm all NCAA Core Course requirements are met.
- Make sure official transcripts are sent to both the NCAA Eligibility Center and the
colleges you apply to. - Visit campuses where coaches have expressed interest.
- Keep responding to coaches’ emails, texts, and calls.
- Continue updating your recruiting profile and highlight reel throughout the year.