Student-athletes dream of playing in the big leagues from a very young age.  But many realize this dream may be hard to achieve as they get older.  Hard work and a focus on the basics will lead to success for those who are willing to do what it takes. By reaching this goal, they will obtain a great education from a terrific college or university at a reduced price………. all at the same time.              

There are thousands of colleges that sponsor intercollegiate athletics. If you have the athletic ability to play at the next level there is a college out there for you.

The objective is to find the best combination of academics and athletics as you begin your marketing process.  A good starting point is to pick colleges that seem to be the right fit for you based on location, level of play or competition, academics, and other factors that are important to you. 

 If you are interested in certain colleges, you need to open a dialog with the college coaches to show your interest in their program.  You must be proactive in your efforts and make calls, send letters of interest/bios out, send e-mails, and by all means make college visits.  Student-athletes should do anything within reason to get their name and their athletic abilities in front of as many college coaches as possible. 

Most college coaches will not offer you a scholarship without seeing you play in person or, at the very least, on film. There are several ways of getting in front of college coaches, from showcases, tournaments, sports clubs, summer traveling teams, camps, etc. 

The higher level showcases and travel teams expose you to higher level influences. If you do not have the opportunity to play in high profile showcases or traveling team, try to make as many contacts with influential individuals/coaches as possible in order to validate your athletic ability and your skill level.  They can write endorsement letters for you that could enhance your chances of being recruited.

Student-athletes should never take a scholarship offer without making a college visit.  There are both “official” and “unofficial” visits. Official visits, which are rare in non-revenue sports, but are common in football and basketball (money sports), are limited by NCAA rules.  Official college visits are paid for by the school. Unofficial visits are paid by the student and parents.  There are no limits on how many times you can visit a campus “unofficially”. 

After cutting your list down to your top school or schools, you need to let the coach(es) know that their college is your top choice and that you will attend their school if you are admitted.  If you are good enough to be offered a scholarship, it will often be during  your senior year of high school. 

If an offer is made, you may need to sign a National Letter of Intent - a legal document binding you (and the college) for at least one full year.  Many coaches push hard to have their recruiting completed as early as possible, especially if the school requires a binding Early Decision contract.

The commitment process can be agonizing at times and is where the most pressure is put on the student-athlete.  This is where you might hear an ultimatum from a coach, which puts even more pressure on the student-athlete (and family).

If, or when, this pressure is put on you, please remember that the most important task you must accomplish in the recruiting process is to end up at the “right“ school for you, regardless of athletics.  You must ask yourself, “Am I going to college to play athletics, OR am I going to play athletics to get (and help pay for) my college education?”