Athletic scholarships not only reward student athletes for their skills, but provide the opportunity to pursue a passion by alleviating the cost of schooling. In fact, more than 180,000 students receive an athletic scholarship annually, according to the Education Data Initiative. While it may sound like a lot, it’s imperative to realize that athletic scholarships are offered to less than 2% of high school student-athletes planning to attend college, underlining the stark reality of the opportunities out there. For high schoolers looking to catch the eye of the recruiter, doing so successfully extends well beyond playing a good game.
The importance of reaching out
While the presence of a recruiter at sporting events can be promising, reaching out to coaches yourself can be a great way to get your name out there and get noticed. One Meredith College admissions blog post suggests sending an email with a letter of interest including information about yourself as well as athletic and academic accomplishments. “A student-athlete who initiates contact with a coach has a much better chance of being evaluated than one who sits and waits for others to do it.”
In addition to reaching out, you’ll need to ‘advertise’ yourself, essentially putting your best foot forward when reaching out to coaches. Sports Engine recommends taking advantage of creating an online recruiting profile like the ones offered through NCSA, which will serve as a digital ‘hub’ for posting your highlight film, stats, academic and other relevant information. This can not only make it easier for coaches to find recruits, but can act as a resume that will enable students to send the profile to coaches, effectively providing a quick and easy way to reach out and share. The same can be said for social media, which enables student athletes to reach out to coaches via DM, tag them in highlight videos, and share key accomplishments online.
The value in going above and beyond
Giving it your all during game time is a major factor when aiming to catch a recruiter’s eye, though there’s more to it than simply playing a good game. A highlight reel or video, for example, is a great way to show off your proudest moments, strong skills, and sportsmanship. That said, it’s important to note that you’ll only have a very short time to make an impression, so videos should be short and sweet (no more than 5-7 minutes, according to Sports Engine). From there, the video can be posted to YouTube in order to facilitate easy sharing with coaches.
In addition to a spectacular highlight video, attending camp (especially if it’s put on by a prospective college) can be a great way to enhance your skills while making valuable connections to coaches. In fact, the NCSA points out that training camps not only help work on key skills related to the game, but help foster additional key skills needed to create a well-rounded player — such as relationship building, fostering motivation, and the development of interpersonal skills.
When working on important skills, discovering key players in college sports can be a great way to draw inspiration from those who are in positions where you’d like to see yourself one day. Comprehensive online resources that provide information on college sports players can provide a great place to start. Ty Johnson, for example, is a men’s college soccer player at the University of North Carolina — while he didn’t see game action in his freshman season (in 2022), it’s noted that his involvement in club soccer for Richmond United “highlights his commitment to the sport.” Like Johnson, becoming involved in extracurricular sports activities can be a great way to demonstrate commitment, skills, and sportsmanship — especially when looking to get on a recruiter’s radar.
Making the grades — a crucial factor
Catching the eye of a recruiter can seem like strictly a sports endeavor, though it’s essential to keep in mind that your grades can set you apart from others who are in the same position. While this can often go overlooked by prospective college athletes, NCSA College Recruiting notes that it is your responsibility to meet National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) eligibility by taking the corresponding NCAA-approved courses at school. “The easiest way to do this is to schedule a meeting with your school’s guidance counselor and plan out a 4-year academic schedule with the necessary tests and classes,” the NCSA Sports article recommends. From there, it’s important to stay informed regarding the grades and tests that you will need for the schools that you will be considering (keep in mind, however, that each school may have different requirements). With a high GPA and test scores throughout your time in high school, you’re sure to stand out from the crowd in a recruiter’s eyes.
While an athletic scholarship can seem out of reach for some, there are several simple ways that an ambitious student athlete can catch the eye of a recruiter. By reaching out, showcasing (and continuously working on) your skills, and focusing on your academic performance, you can effectively increase your chances of landing the scholarship of your dreams.
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