So You Want to Play in College?

by Sydney Wiser ‘23

For many student-athletes, sports are a major part of life and some even want to take their athletic talents to the collegiate level. However, the college recruitment process is intimidating, and it’s difficult to know where to start. Sherwood boasts numerous athletes who’ve been recruited, and although every athlete’s experience is unique, the steps are similarly complex. 

Generally, the recruitment process starts sophomore year but preparing earlier is helpful, particularly for NCAA Divisions I and II. To avoid losing eligibility, players should understand the NCAA communication rules. For Divisions I and II, the NCAA posts recruitment calendar recommendations and outlines the times for when official visits (a visit to the college campus paid for by the coach), and unofficial visits (a visit to the campus paid for by the athlete) can occur. Division III has less restrictions on coach and athlete contact and official visits begin on January 1 of an athlete’s junior year. 

In addition to the factors all students consider when researching colleges like campus size, location, and cost, athletes also have to decide if they want a competitive Division I program or a balance of athletics and academics that Divisions II and III provide. For senior Nicole Graham, who’ll be playing lacrosse at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, finding a school that valued her intended major of nursing was important. “I had the opportunity to go Division I but I chose Division III. A couple of schools told me that if I wanted to play Division I, I would not be able to pursue my major which turned me away,” Graham explained. 

After an athlete decides what type of school they prefer, they have to determine what’s feasible financially and athletically. According to Sherwood’s head football coach Andrew Fields, less than 7 percent of collegiate athletes are awarded athletic scholarships. Division III schools don’t offer athletic scholarships at all. 

Club and high school coaches can give athletic evaluations and help with a plan of action. For time based sports like swimming and track, websites like the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) share the timed results expected of an athlete at each division. The NCSA also provides resources for other sports covering topics like recruitment steps and self evaluation in team sports.

Once a student has identified colleges, it’s time to reach out to coaches. Filling out recruitment forms on a college’s sport-specific page shows interest in a school. It also puts the athlete on the college’s mailing list for information about upcoming tournaments that the coaches will be attending and identification (ID) and showcase camps. 

Introductory emails are the best way to establish contact with a coach and, if personalized, they can make an athlete memorable. Emails include information like GPA, graduation year, teams, highlight reels, and best times for racing sports. Reels give coaches an opportunity to see an athlete’s technique, versatility, and speed so they’re motivated to watch athletes in upcoming tournaments or invite them to camps. The easiest way to compile clips is to have someone film the athlete’s competition, but Sherwood often films their athletic events as well. It’s important to note that coaches might not respond to an initial outreach, but the athlete shouldn’t lose hope. 

“Be persistent [with contacting coaches] because sending emails and calling coaches can be very tedious, but it pays off in the end if you work hard,” advised Division I Charleston Southern University volleyball commit Sophia Kluska. 

Another way to interact with coaches is by attending ID camps hosted by the school or by a company that invites many schools. ID camps allow coaches to see a lot of athletes and give athletes a feel for different schools. Camps based on campus often include a tour led by the coach or current players and include question and answer sessions with coaching staff. Some of the larger, company-run camps allow exposure to multiple college coaches at once, but may offer a more impersonal feel. 

Ultimately, what’s most important to remember is that as intimidating and stressful as the recruitment process can be, it’s possible to end the journey with success. 

“If you want to play at the next level and you love the sport there is a school for you. Everyone I know that has wanted to play at the next level has found a school perfect for them. And that does not look the same for everyone,” said Graham.