How to Get Recruited for College Sports: Everything You Need to Know

Out of the nearly eight million high school athletes, less than 10% go on to play at an NCAA school. Plus, only about a third of those receive an athletic scholarship. If you want to be part of this elite group, understanding the college athletic recruiting process is super important.

In this blog, you’ll learn what athletic recruitment is, how to get noticed by colleges, and tips to prepare for the process. We’ll also talk about what to do if you don’t make the cut.

• What Is Athletic Recruitment?
• How to Get Colleges to Notice You for Sports
• Tips to Prepare for the Recruitment Process
• What If You Didn’t Make the Cut?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Athletic Recruitment?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) defines recruiting as “any solicitation of prospective student-athletes or their parents by an institutional staff member or by a representative of the institution’s athletics interests for the purpose of securing a prospective student-athlete’s enrollment and ultimate participation in the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program.”

That’s a lot to take in! Basically, athletic recruitment is when colleges look for athletes to join their teams. Playing sports in high school can give you a boost in the admissions process since it shows you’re dedicated, hardworking, and able to stick with something long-term. All of these are traits that the admissions committee looks for when evaluating applicants.

At many colleges and universities, athletics are part and parcel of campus culture and even a source of revenue. That’s why standout athletes who can boost a school’s athletic success may have an edge in the admissions process.

When does recruiting start?

If you’re hoping to play college sports, the recruitment process is very competitive, and the timeline can vary depending on the sport and division. The NCAA sets recruiting calendars that outline when its member schools can actively recruit athletes. While this timeline can vary, recruiting often begins early in high school.

Most college sports are governed by the NCAA, which has three divisions. Division I schools have the most competitive programs and offer the most athletic scholarships. Division II schools also provide scholarships but have fewer resources, while Division III schools focus more on academics and don’t offer athletic scholarships. There’s also the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which is smaller but has more flexible recruiting rules.

For Division I sports, coaches can start contacting recruits on June 15 after their sophomore year or September 1 of their junior year. However, you can reach out to coaches with emails, highlight videos, and transcripts at any time—coaches just can’t respond until the official contact period begins.

That said, it’s never too early to start preparing for the process. Maintaining a strong GPA, researching potential schools, and creating or updating a recruiting video are all steps you can take well before active recruiting begins. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of catching a coach’s attention.

How to Get Colleges to Notice You for Sports

Getting noticed by a college scout takes more than just performing well on game day. Scouts are looking for athletes with the complete package: talent, intelligence, and the right attitude. Here’s what you need to shine:

1. Athletic ability

You’ve got to be good at your sport, there’s no way around that. But it’s more than just scoring the highest number of points in your team or making big plays.

College scouts are looking for athletes who are consistent, have mastered the basics, and show potential to keep getting better. Sure, impressive stats help, but your overall performance and reliability will keep you top of mind.

2. Academic performance

Good grades matter more than you think. Both the NCAA and NAIA have academic eligibility requirements, and coaches want to recruit athletes who can handle the demands of both sports and school.

If you’re hoping to play NCAA Division I or II sports, you’ll need to take a certain number of NCAA-approved core courses and maintain a strong GPA in those courses, which is known as your NCAA Core GPA.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking at NAIA schools, the requirements are a bit simpler. You’ll need either a 2.3+ GPA or meet two of these three requirements:

• A 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Class rank in the top 50% of your graduating class
• At least an 18 on the ACT or a 970 on the SAT (Critical Reading and Math combined)

Strong academics show that you’re disciplined and capable of managing a busy schedule, which are traits of a successful college athlete.

3. Coachability

College scouts pay attention to how you handle feedback. Are you receptive to advice? Do you adjust your game based on what coaches say? Showing that you’re willing to learn and improve shows them that you’ll be easy to work with and can grow as an athlete at the college level.

4. Leadership and team mentality

You don’t need to be the team captain to interact well with your teammates. Encouraging others, playing smart under pressure, and working well with the team show that you’re not just playing for yourself; you’re invested in the team’s success. Colleges value athletes who bring both skill and positive energy to the group.

5. Character off the field

How you carry yourself off the field counts, too. Colleges often look at your discipline, attitude, and how you represent yourself and your team. Being respectful, staying focused, and demonstrating strong work habits make you a more appealing recruit as an athlete and an individual.

6. Physical fitness

Now, this doesn’t mean they’ll measure how high you can jump or how fast you can run. College scouts look for athletes who take their fitness seriously. (What athlete doesn’t value their physical health?) You’ll need to be in top physical condition and have the stamina and endurance to withstand a rigorous college season.

Tips to Prepare for the Recruitment Process

To boost your chances of getting recruited for college sports, here are tips to help you stay organized and stand out to coaches:

1. Create a game plan.

Map out a clear plan for the recruitment process. List down your target schools, read up on their athletic programs, and track when you contact coaches. Keep a calendar with key deadlines and notes from your conversations to help you stay organized and prepared when it’s time to follow up.

Also, read as much as you can about the athletic recruitment process. There are many websites and blogs (like this) out there with helpful information. For example, you can check out the NCAA’s Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete to learn about the different academic standards for different athletics programs, scholarship information, recruiting calendars, and more.

2. Stay on top of communication.

Strong communication skills can set you apart from other recruits. Respond to coaches promptly and professionally, and don’t be afraid to reach out with questions or updates.

When you visit campuses or meet athletic staff, take note of who you spoke with and follow up afterward. Building a good relationship with coaches and admissions officers makes a huge difference.

3. Take the lead.

You don’t always need to wait for coaches to come to you. Take charge of your recruitment! Reach out to coaches, visit schools, and ask questions about their programs. Most athletes aren’t discovered by chance; showing genuine interest and initiative makes you more memorable. Coaches are more likely to recruit players who are enthusiastic about participating in their program.

4. Make a highlight video.

A well-crafted highlight video is one of the most effective ways to get noticed by college coaches and recruiters. Putting together a five to ten-minute video that showcases your skills and performance in key competitions can help coaches see how you handle pressure and perform at a high level. A strong highlight reel gives recruiters a clear sense of your athletic ability and potential.

5. Keep your grades up.

As mentioned earlier, coaches want student-athletes who can handle both the academic and athletic demands of college life. A strong GPA, solid test scores, and a challenging course load show discipline and capabilities. If two athletes have similar athletic talent, the one with better academics often gets the spot—so don’t let your grades slip!

6. Attend summer camps and showcases.

One of the best ways to stay visible to college coaches is by attending summer camps and showcases. These events are your chance to develop your skills with other talented athletes, so you can get a better sense of the competition and what it takes to play at the next level.

Another important benefit is the chance to perform directly in front of college coaches, especially at schools you’re interested in. You’ll have a better chance of standing out if you’ve already had some contact with the coach beforehand.

What If You Didn’t Make the Cut?

The recruitment process isn’t easy, and rejection is part of the game. If a school passes on you, don’t get discouraged. Keep training, sharpen your skills, and reach out to other programs. Coaches notice athletes who stay motivated even when things don’t go as planned. If recruitment doesn’t work out, walking on to a team is still an option.

You could also consider playing at a junior college to build your stats and gain more experience. Stay focused and ready to put yourself back out there next season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get a college coach’s attention?

There are plenty of ways to get a college coach’s attention. One is creating an impressive highlight video showcasing your best performances and skills. You can also maintain a good GPA and proactively reach out via email to introduce yourself. Attending showcases, camps, and travel tournaments can also increase your exposure.

2. What should I include in my highlight video?

Your highlight video should be five to ten minutes long and feature your best plays, performance in key games, and moments that showcase your skills under pressure. Include your stats and any relevant awards or recognitions.

3. What is the easiest sport to get recruited for?

Track and field, swimming, and rowing are often considered the easiest sports to recruit for because they have larger team sizes and more available spots. Individual performance in these sports is also easier for coaches to measure through stats and times.

4. What are the hardest sports to get recruited for?

Sports like basketball, football, and soccer are highly competitive because they attract a large pool of talented athletes. Limited roster spots and high-skill requirements make recruitment in these sports even tougher.

Takeaways

• Athletic recruitment involves colleges actively seeking out athletes who can contribute to their sports programs and meet academic standards.
• Scouts look for a combination of athletic ability, academic strength, coachability, leadership, and character when evaluating recruits.
• The recruitment process follows NCAA guidelines, with official contact periods starting as early as sophomore or junior year for most sports.
• Even if you’re not recruited initially, you can still pursue opportunities through walk-on programs or by playing at a junior college.
• Navigating the athletic recruitment process can be tricky. Consider working with a private admissions consultant to help you strategize, connect with coaches, and present your athletic and academic profile in the best light.