Recruiting Is Four Year Preparation - Guideposts For The College Bound Student-Athlete

Many athletes have the desire to play sports inimprove and to be seen.
college, but don't know where to begin or what toAs a Sophomore, you need to continue the
do. Simply stated, recruiting is a four year process.programs you began as a freshman and keep
Preparation and education are every bit as importantworking to improve – athletically and academically.
in marketing, and those who wait until their seniorStart preparing for the college admissions tests –
year find themselves behind the curve. Atwhether taking the practice tests or enrolling in a
SportsWorx, we know what it takes and how to getBoard Prep course. Begin the process of
it done!communicating with college coaches to let them
So what should you do each year in the process?know of your interest in their school and your
Many tasks should begin in your freshman year, andpersonal accomplishments. Of course, a
these tasks should be revisited each year.comprehensive resume is a must. Begin scheduling
In your Freshman year, you need to learn what theunofficial visits to those schools in which you have
eligibility requirements are for NCAA, NAIA, andthe greatest interest.
NJCAA competition. The NCAA requires that youAs a Junior, you should be in regular communication
take and complete a specified number of corewith your top schools. Continue the process of
courses, which vary from school to school. Thus it isacademic and athletic evaluation and improvement.
important to talk to your school guidance counselorTake the college boards as many times as you can.
to learn what courses at your school are NCAARegister with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Identify those
Approved Core Courses, and make sure you fulfillschools that offer the academic majors of interest
the requirements. You should also begin to decideto you, and begin the process of financial analysis.
what YOUR priorities are in selecting a school andGet the federal FAFSA forms and work the
begin the process of researching schools toworksheets with your parents. Get admission
determine what schools can meet those prioritiesapplications from schools and familiarize yourself with
– academically, athletically, socially, and financially.them. Seek the best opportunities to be seen by
You then need to learn the academic and athleticcollege coaches.
standards that those schools require, and set specificBy your Senior year, you should be well into the
goals for yourself to begin the process of meetingprocess. You should know those schools that are the
those standards. Talk to your coaches, teachers, andbest fit for you and you should be talking to the
counselors to help you to identify your strengths andcoaches to determine their interest level. Prepare for
weaknesses and work to improve yourselfthose conversations by determining the questions
academically and athletically.  Understand that solidyou need answered to make an informed decision,
academic performance begins in your freshman yearand ask the coach those questions. Continue to take
and lead to many more options in choosing a college.the college boards and to improve academically and
Look for a club or travel team that can help you toathletically.