Do you want to play a college sport? If so, it's important to remember that it's a difficult task!
In the U.S., a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools. This stat isn't meant to scare you! It's meant to remind you that playing sports in college requires a lot of dedication and that it is incredibly tough to go DI, let alone play sports at all. Here are 3 steps to ensure you can have realistic expectations going into the recruiting process.
Related: Understanding Which League/Division to Target
Sit Down with a Trusted Source
It's crucial to sit and discuss the options you have to move on to playing sports in college. It's best to chat with a trusted source like a coach or an athletic director. You must ask candid and maybe even difficult questions like, “Am I good enough to go DI?” or “Do I have what it takes to play at the next level?” Hopefully, they answer truthfully and are able to give you some advice on how to improve your game to prepare you. If you don't like the answer you get back you should then say, “What can I do to reach my goal?” These conversations will allow you to set your basis on who you should reach out to as you move forward in the process.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Email Coaches at Various Levels (DI, DII, or DIII)
If you are unsure which level you think is right for you then you can reach out to coaches at multiple levels. The worst they can say is no! It's important to not get discouraged during the process and maintain positivity throughout. If your dream school says no or doesn't consistently respond to your emails that's ok, it might just mean it's time to go down other avenues. When reaching out to coaches, it's important to start the email off respectfully (Dear Coach X), list out all your accomplishments (club and high school) and express your gratitude for them taking the time to read your email. Taking the time to email a wide variety of coaches sets the stage for you being able to weigh your options and choose the best schools for you.
Related: Contacting the Head Coach
See What Coaches Get Back to You
Then it becomes a waiting game. After you send out all your emails, wait and see which coaches get back to you. This will most clearly define the level at which you are able to play. If plenty of DI coaches get back to you then you can assume you're ready for that challenge. If plenty of DII and DIII coaches get back to you then you can assume that is your best option to play. If you are unhappy with your results you can look to move to a more competitive club team or ask your coaches to see if they have any connections to help you move in a different direction.
In order to maintain realistic expectations in the recruiting process it's best to remember how tough it is to play college sports. Following these steps can help you understand where you fit in the college sports landscape. It's all about enjoying yourself and finding a school that fits you as a student and as an athlete!
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* Originally published on August 4, 2022, by Max Brown
