Playing Sports in College

If you are interested in playing a sport in college:

1. Create an account on NCAA.     https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

   • The NCAA is a much larger association, primarily for bigger public universities with extensive sports programs and high-level competition, particularly in Division I.

2. Also check out the NAIA website.     www.naia.org

   • The NAIA governs smaller, often private and faith-based colleges with a more personal approach to student-athletes, generally lower overall costs, and less stringent academic requirements. NAIA Division I is comparable in competitiveness to NCAA Division II, but with a more holistic focus on the student-athlete experience and a less demanding travel schedule. 

3. Also check out the NJCAA website.     www.njcaa.org

   • Apply directly to individual member colleges, meet their admission & NJCAA eligibility (high school diploma/GED, amateur status, academic benchmarks like 12 credits/2.0 GPA after first term), get cleared by the college's Athletic Director, and sign an official Letter of Intent (LOI) through the NJCAA Admin Portal once recruited and accepted.  

4. There are different high school course requirements for different divisions

   • Click the link below for more information.

5. Let your coach know