College Athletics

OVERVIEW

As a prospective college athlete, you should spend time exploring your options in college sports and researching the most appropriate academic, social, and athletic fits for you.

First, consider how large of a role you want athletics to play in your college experience. Talk with college athletes at all levels (DI, DII, DIII, clubs, intramurals, etc.) about the time commitment required of college athletes and the impact of athletics on their college experience. Ask yourself if you have the ability to compete at the college level and have conversations with your current coaches (Greenhills coaches, summer league coaches) about the possibility of participating in sports beyond Greenhills. Coaches’ impressions of your potential candidacy will be invaluable as you determine the level of competition that best matches your skills.

Throughout your junior and senior years, work with both your college counselor and your coaches to understand how athletics will play a role in your individual college process. Only students who are both actively recruited by college coaches and deemed likely to be an asset to that college or university’s team can expect athletics to impact college admission.

Remember that regardless of your level of athletic competition, the admission office always makes the final decision when it comes to who will be admitted to their college or university. If you are in contact with college coaches, make sure you maintain contact with the admission office, too.

ADMISSIONS PATHWAYS IN ATHLETICS

  1. Division I & II Schools: The NCAA eligibility center evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate in DI or DII college athletics as a freshman student athlete. There are many scholarships available for student athletes who participate in Division I and II, but they are not guaranteed.

  2. Division III Schools: If you are a Division III athlete, your eligibility will be determined by the college/university instead of the NCAA. The opportunities for athletic scholarships at the DIII level are minimal but your recruitment may impact the college admissions process.

  3. Club Sports: Club sports are student organized teams that are not necessarily funded by the college/university. Many club teams participate in intercollegiate competition.

  4. Intramural Sports: The majority of high school athletes go on to pursue Intramural Sports at the college level. Intramural sports are student organized and involve competitions among fellow classmates. Traditional sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, etc. and non-traditional sports such as ultimate frisbee and flag football can be considered intramural sports.

CONTACT WITH COLLEGE COACHES

There are specific and strict regulations on the contact between colleges and prospective student athletes. For your individual sport, familiarize yourself with the Contact Period, Quiet Period, and Dead Period.

  • Contact Period: when coaches and athletic department can be in contact with you in-person and off campus.

  • Quiet Period: when coaches and athletic department can be in contact with you only on their institution’s campus.

  • Dead Period: when coaches and athletic department cannot be in contact with you.

Visit www.ncaa.org for detailed information on student-athlete/coach contact and check out the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

USEFUL WEBSITES

The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides a detailed and complete resource of information for NCAA Division I, II, and III athletics, rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements. This website also links you to the NCAA Clearinghouse. www.ncaa.org

The site for the National Directory of Collegiate Athletics provides access to a free recruiting guide brochure, sample athletic resumes, and tips for student athlete cover letters to colleges. www.collegiatedirectories.com/studentathletes/index.htm

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics offers information on the approximately 300 member institutions of the NAIA. http://naia.org

TIMELINE

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE YEAR
Talk to Greenhills/community coaches about summer enrichment programs, summer camps, and/or summer leagues. Keep a record of all of your academic and athletic accomplishments for a future college resume. Finally, it surprises many families to learn that freshmen and sophomore students are eligible to receive general information from colleges and universities through the mail at any time.


JUNIOR YEAR

  • Watch college games at different levels of competition.

  • The NCAA only accepts test scores from The CollegeBoard or ACT directly. To submit scores directly to the NCAA, add the NCAA code, 9999, to the list of places you want your scores sent.

  • On September 1st of your junior year, you are eligible to receive letters from college/university faculty, current students and/or coaches.

  • At the end of your junior year, register with the NCAA eligibility center. Complete the Student Release Form and amateurism form. You will also submit a $50 registration fee. Register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net (select the Prospective Student Athlete option).

  • Work on a resume of your accomplishments, both academic and athletic, as well as a letter of interest to send to coaches. Also, make highlight videos to send to coaches.

  • You may make unofficial visits to colleges at any point. If you plan to visit a college you’re interested in, set up an appointment with the admission office and schedule a meeting with the assistant or head coach of your sport.

  • Over the summer, play in college showcases and let coaches know you will be there and what number you wear. You might also choose to participate in a camp at the school(s) you are most interested in.

SENIOR YEAR

  • Complete your academic/athletic resume to send to coaches and include with your application for admission.

  • After July 1st of the summer before your senior year, college/university faculty members and coaches may contact you by phone.

  • During your senior year, official visits (visits that are financially funded by the college/university) are allowed.

  • Coaches may encourage you to apply early decision. Discuss this with family members and your college counselors.

  • Remember to ultimately decide on a college or university that you love not just for athletics, but for academic and social reasons as well!