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OCEANSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
So You Think You’d Like to Play Your Sport in College?
Why participate in athletics in high school? Why look to participate beyond high school? It is a researched fact that students who engage in athletics (or other forms of extra curricular activity) while in high school have better grades, attendance, satisfaction with school, and long term career success combined with lower rates of disciplinary action, drug/alcohol and tobacco use.
In addition, the NCAA has determined that students who continue to remain involved in athletics at the college or university level have higher graduation rates.
Also, be prepared to have the “student” part of high school student-athlete given greater consideration by college coaches due to the NCAA’s recent academic reforms. Colleges and universities have to prove academic progress and satisfactory graduation rates among student-athletes in order to continue offering scholarships and aid in the amounts they are used to.
*NCAA transcript requests should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office using the NCAA transcript request release form.
Tips For Recruitment & Things To Consider
Don't wait for Senior Year!
If you KNOW you would like to participate in college athletics, don't wait for senior year to start the process. Typically, your 10th grade year is a great starting point to start thinking about your options. For those more competitive athletes, some colleges may begin reaching out to you even before then, but know that you DO NOT have to make any decisions until YOU feel comfortable.
The following three people, in addition to your family, should be used to help guide your decision making.
Your School Counselor
Your Coaches
Our NCAA Placement Coordinator: Frank Luisi fluisi@oceansideschools.org 516-678-8543
Don't Eliminate Division II, Division III, and Other Levels of Collegiate Athletics!
Understand that NCAA Division I is not the only or even the best option for you. Although participating in Division 1 athletics may seem prestigious, there is much more to consider! Getting an scholarship offer from a Division 1 school may NOT be the best financial aid package you will receive as athletic scholarships are NOT all full scholarships! In fact, you may receive a better financial package from a school with no athletic money, than a school that issues you a partial scholarship. Also, remember why we go to school! Less than 1% of college athletes turn pro, and even less make enough to cover their future life costs. Which brings us to the next section....
Academics Opens Doors and Should Be A Consideration!
When selecting a school to attend, NCAA Athletics should be a great factor, but so should academics. You are a STUDENT ATHLETE! It is important to start compiling a list of schools that meet both your athletic goals, as well as can help you achieve your professional ones as well. However, this works both ways! Coaches place a great emphasis on student academic performance in high school. While it is important to do well in school for intrinsic reasons, knowing this can provide you with some extrinsic motivation as well. Doing well in school can provide you with greater options than if you are not achieving YOUR full potential.
Get To Know The NCAA
Taking the time to know and understand NCAA timelines, requirements, and processes is pivotal to a successful transition to collegiate athletics. In order to do this, it is recommended you review the, NCAA’s Guide for the College Bound Athlete, which is linked above. Once you have completed that, you should also take the time and visit the NCAA Eligibility Center, which is also linked above. To help you go through this our counselors, coaches, and more specifically, our NCAA Placement Coordinator, Mr. Luisi, can help you do so.
Once you have made the decision to pursue a NCAA sport, it is important to to complete the NCAA Request for Release Form, which can be found in the Registrar's Office.
Be Pro-Active In The Recruiting Process!
Once you have an idea of some target schools, don't wait for them to contact you! Start by establishing contact with the head coaches at these schools. Make sure to have academic records and information ready, as well as you athletic accomplishments and accolades. If you are pro-active in this manner, and with the support of your resources, you will find the right place for you. Remember, if you are not seizing the moment, someone else is!
At the End of The Day...
If you follow the following 3 point plan, you will achieve success wherever you decide to compete:
(1) Identify colleges that meet both your academic and athletic profiles
(2) Use your resources (School counselor, Coaches, and NCAA Placement Coordinator) and family for guidance.
(3) Contact the coaches on your school list, and don't be afraid to follow up!
Suggestions/Comments? E-mail me at: tlehman@oceansideschools.org
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