Athletes

Interested in Playing Sports in College?

The Factors and Responsibilities Involved in the Recruitment Process

There is a school and a sports program for everyone!

It just takes a little effort on YOUR part to find the right match for you!

Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse

Students planning to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse insures that each student meets certain academic standards in order to be eligible as a student athlete.

Role of the Student Athlete

  1. Determine how your sport will impact your goals for attending college.

  2. Decide level of commitment to the sport (level of program).

  3. Decide what colleges best meet your criteria and goals (academic, athletic and other).

  4. Send an athletic resume and a video tape to the schools that meet your criteria.

Role of Parent

  1. Be involved at every stage of the student’s decision-making.

  2. Become knowledgeable about the NCAA Clearinghouse procedures and the NCAA recruiting rules and regulations (found in a brochure entitled NCAA Guide for the COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE available in guidance offices AND online.

  3. Work closely with the high school/club coach & the school’s Counseling office.

  4. Meet with or talk to the college coaches that are recruiting your daughter/son in order to keep fully informed about her/his status in the recruiting process and to get all of your questions answered.

A Brief Action Plan For College Bound Athletes

  • Compile a tentative list of colleges. You can start this as early as the 2nd half of the sophomore year and should make every effort to have something together before Fall of the junior year.

  • Make initial contact with schools (send cover letter, resume and schedule of upcoming athletic activities). You can start this as early as the 2nd half of the sophomore year and should make every effort to complete this no later than Spring of your junior year. If at all possible, do this prior to the summer tournament and/or recruiting camp season.

  • Send updated academic and sport related information, including a schedule of your upcoming summer participation in tournaments and camps.

  • Take every opportunity to participate in your sport to maximize your exposure and increase your skills in the summers before your junior and senior year.

  • Fulfill NCAA Clearinghouse obligations in mid-summer to early fall of your senior year if you are considering a Division I or II school.

  • Decide when to verbally commit to a school and/or sign with a school for a scholarship. When you have made your decision be sure to notify all schools recruiting you and thank them for their interest. The time frame for these decisions is now mid-summer to early fall to mid-fall of your senior year. The time frame for this is getting earlier each year!

Recruiting Reality Check

If you have been as proactive as possible with a college coach, and they have never responded to you or given you any indication that they are interested in you – MOVE ON. The reality of the situation is that they are focusing on other recruits. There are plenty of other schools and lacrosse programs out there! REMEMBER – There is a school and a sports program for everyone! GOOD