So You Want to Play Sports in College?

If you dream of playing your sport in college, it’s essential to be realistic: recruitment is extremely competitive. Being a standout athlete in high school is no longer enough. To get recruited, you must actively engage in the process—reaching out to coaches, creating an athletic resume, attending the right events, and consistently showcasing your skills.

Many athletes believe they’ll receive a full-ride athletic scholarship, but the reality is different. Full rides are rare and often harder to earn than getting into a top school based solely on academics. If financial aid is your main priority, you may be better off pursuing academic or merit-based scholarships instead of putting all your hopes on athletic funding.

Three Trends Making Recruitment Even Tougher

1. COVID’s Lasting Impact

Athletes were granted an extra year of NCAA eligibility during the 2020–2021 season, meaning college teams often have unexpected returning players. In some cases, injured athletes may even qualify for a sixth year. This has created logjams in rosters and fewer openings for new recruits.

2. The NCAA Transfer Portal

Since 2018, athletes have been allowed to transfer schools without penalty. This has changed the game: many coaches now prefer to recruit experienced college athletes rather than invest in high school prospects who may need time to develop.

3. A Rise in International Athletes

International athletes now make up around 12% of Division I programs. With more global competition than ever, American high school athletes must work even harder to stand out.

Be Open and Strategic About Your Options

Because of these increasing challenges, student-athletes need to be flexible and strategic. Consider all levels of college athletics—Division I, II, III, NAIA, club, or even community college teams. Explore a variety of schools, not just top-name programs. Ask yourself: Would I still be happy at this school if I got injured and couldn’t play? Think about academics, location, campus life, and your goals beyond sports.

Understanding Athletic Levels

NCAA Division I (D1)

This is the most competitive and high-profile level, with around 350 schools. These programs offer top-tier facilities, national visibility, and, in some cases, athletic scholarships (though not in the Ivy League). Playing a sport at this level is like having a full-time job—some majors and internships may not be feasible.

• Minimum GPA: 2.3

• Standardized tests not required for NCAA eligibility, but may be needed for individual schools

How to Research D1 Teams:

• Compare your stats to current players on the roster

• See if the team needs your position

• Check how many international players are on the team

NCAA Division II (D2)

Still competitive, but less intense than D1. D2 has about 300 schools with more regional play and smaller crowds. Scholarships are typically partial, not full.

• Minimum GPA: 2.0

• No standardized test requirement

NCAA Division III (D3)

The largest NCAA division with over 440 schools. D3 emphasizes academics and balance—you're a student first. There are no athletic scholarships, but academic and financial aid are widely available. Many D3 athletes play for the love of the game, and D3 schools often offer smaller class sizes and a stronger sense of community.

• No standardized test requirement

• Competitive D3 programs can still outperform lower-tier D1 teams

NAIA and Other Options

NAIA schools are similar to D2 programs in size and competition level. Many are smaller or faith-based. Club sports and community colleges can also offer excellent experiences and may serve as stepping stones to NCAA programs.

Getting Recruited: Blue Chips vs. White Chips

Coaches are under pressure to win—and they’re always looking for talent.

Blue Chip Athletes are elite-level players who attract attention on their own. They don’t need help getting recruited.

White Chip Athletes make up 98% of recruits. These athletes need to market themselves actively. That means reaching out to coaches, building a strong academic profile, and standing out with character and consistency.

White Chip Recruitment Tips

• Follow Up: Don’t be a one-and-done. Coaches get hundreds of emails daily. Persistence matters.

• Social Media Counts: Keep it professional. Inappropriate posts can cost you offers.

• Build an Athletic Profile: Create a resume with stats, achievements, and academic info. This also helps with your college application.

• Create a Recruitment Email: Use a separate email just for contacting coaches. Include your graduation year (not birth year), GPA, size, position, and relevant connections (family alumni, school visits, etc.).

• Highlight Reel: Start with your best 30 seconds. Use a pause or circle to identify yourself in plays. Include a title slide with your information. Upload to YouTube or Google Drive. Coaches won’t make offers based on a video alone—but it opens the door.

• Recruiting Questionnaires: Fill them out—even if they're long (often 100+ questions). Many schools use sites like RecruitSpot.com to manage these profiles.

• Track Your Contacts: Make a spreadsheet to record which coaches have replied, whether they send personal or mass emails, and what steps you’ve taken.

• Talk to People: Don’t be afraid to speak to current players, counselors, or even parents wearing college gear—you never know where a connection might lead.

Starting Early and Setting Goals

The recruitment process takes time and planning. Setting clear goals early can make a huge difference. In most sports, starting in sophomore year is ideal—but this varies. Some athletes reach out to coaches as early as freshman year.

Putting in effort outside of team practices—like training on your own or attending camps—can separate you from your competition.

Training, Experience & Club vs. High School Sports

Higher-level training can be intense, isolating, and overwhelming. That’s why training with friends, outside programs, or club teams can help build both skills and resilience. Participate in local races, tournaments, or other opportunities to grow beyond your high school environment. When choosing between club and high school sports, pick what fits you best. Some teams don’t allow both, and playing multiple sports can increase the risk of burnout or injury. However, complementary sports like soccer and track can help athletes cross-train effectively.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

Yes, you can choose your major—but be realistic. Some demanding programs (like nursing) may not be feasible with a D1 athletic schedule. D3 and NAIA programs may offer more flexibility for academic exploration and internships.

The Recruitment and Walk-On Process

You can reach out to coaches at any time, but NCAA rules limit when they can respond. Always make sure you're following proper timelines. Even if you get a verbal commitment, apply to backup schools. Verbal commitments are not official. Only a signed National Letter of Intent (NLI) guarantees your spot—usually signed in fall of senior year. D1 recruitment tends to wrap up earlier, while D2 and NAIA recruiting may go into the spring. Ivy League schools require both academic and athletic excellence, and won’t compromise on either.

Writing a Strong Athletic Profile & Personal Statement

Use feedback from coaches, teammates, friends, family, and school counselors. Ask for help. Your personal statement should reflect who you are—not just as an athlete, but as a student and a person. What motivates you? What challenges have you overcome? What do you bring to a team?