Student Athlete Timeline For Success

FRESHMAN YEAR

In the first year of high school, student-athletes should focus on the following:

Academic Planning: Ensure you’re on track to take the right classes to meet college admission requirements, including core courses and GPA goals. Get serious about practicing, training, & studying. Consider showcasing your skills in relevant tournaments and showcases. While it’s not the only way to get a coach’s attention, coaches tend to recruit at higher-level events.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Moving into sophomore year, it’s time to get serious about college planning:

Set a Budget for College: Begin thinking about the cost of college. Research scholarships, financial aid, and set your family’s budget for college. You don’t want to be recruited by a school you love only to have to turn down the offer because your family can’t afford the cost. Determining your financial fit first will let you tailor your college search process. Start building a balanced list of potential colleges. Many student-athletes have two lists—one for academics and one for athletics—with some overlap between the two. Keep your college list flexible as your priorities may evolve. If you haven’t already, meet with your current coaches to express interest in playing in college. Seek advice about what it takes to reach your goal. Your coach can help you understand what college coaches in your sport may look for and how to prepare for the recruiting process. Begin reaching out to college coaches(THIS IS WHERE WE HELP), expressing your interest, and sharing your achievements. Get on a coach’s radar early and be prepared to share athletic information like a sports resume or highlight videos. Start to think about taking tours of the colleges on your list to get a feel for the campus, athletic facilities, and the overall environment. Register with NCAA or other eligibility centers to ensure you meet the requirements.

JUNIOR YEAR

By your junior year, it’s time to start preparing for your application process.

If required, prepare for and begin taking the SAT or ACT. Plan to finish testing by early spring at the latest. This way, you can get your scores to coaches who may request these numbers for evaluation. Using our recruiting software, regularly communicate every 6-8 weeks with college coaches. Consistent athletic and academic updates will help coaches track your progress and athletic development, let them get to know you better, and ensure they know your continued interest in their program. Start scheduling official visits to colleges. These visits give you a closer look at the campus, the team, and the overall atmosphere. Athletic offers are contingent on being admitted by the college, so some colleges have a preliminary evaluation process. College coaches may request academic information, such as transcripts and test scores, to determine whether you meet the initial eligibility and academic requirements for their program.

SENIOR YEAR

Enter senior year prepared so you can submit applications and make decisions early.

Use Work on your essays and applications over the summer and plan to submit your applications in early fall. Some coaches may request that you apply Early Decision or give your verbal commitment by a certain date. Maintain your athletic performance and focus on academics throughout your senior year. Colleges often want to see consistent dedication and progress. Recruitment offers and offers of admission can be rescinded if you aren’t holding up your end of the agreement to enter college prepared. Take your Official Visits and Make a Decision on where you will attend school.

*A Note for Juniors and Seniors*:

Even though this timeline starts in freshman year, it's not too late for juniors or seniors to start the process. Every student-athlete is unique, and every school’s recruitment process is different. In some cases, offers may come as late as May or June of the senior years.

The path to college as a student-athlete can be tough but incredibly rewarding. As you navigate this journey, remember that it's not just about sports, but also about personal growth. It's about knowing your "why," planning ahead, and taking initiative. With a clear plan and the right mindset, you can work toward your goal of playing college sports at a college that’s the best fit for you.