The college recruiting process can be daunting! So, where do you start? We've put together 6 steps that will help you get started on the right path to get recruited.

1. Put Together a Target a List of Schools

• Compile a realistic list of schools that you are interested in. Academic guidelines are different for each college, so do your research. You will want to keep in mind your academic level and athletic talent.
• Start with a list of ~15 schools and narrow down from there. If your list of schools is too small, then your chances of earning a competitive scholarship will be lower because you won't have as many to choose from.

Related: Picking a School and Team You Love

2. Gather Contact Information for the Coaches

• You will need to be diligent in collecting and organizing coach information. Collect e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles for all coaches and recruiting coordinators.
• Email the following information to the coaches. 
  • Resume – Write a professional sports resume; make sure your thoughts are organized. You will want to be detailed with your statistics and accolades. You will need to update weekly or bi-weekly. Include a copy of your high school transcripts and test scores.
  • Highlight Video – You will want to get on as many coaches' radars as possible. Having a high-quality highlight video will help. Include a link to that video as a part of your resume. An excellent resource for making a highlight video is Hudl.

Related: How To Create a Standout Hudl Profile

3. Communicate with the Coaches

• You can reach out to a coach at any time, but keep in mind a coach has to follow the NCAA rules on when they may reach back out to you. It's up to you to stay up to date with the NCAA recruiting calendar to understand those times. You can communicate through email, social media, and a phone call.
• The recruiting process can be tricky; offers can be taken off the table for various reasons, so it's crucial to stay in good standings with all coaches. Respond to every coach that replies to your email, and do so in a timely manner.
• As you communicate with coaches, get familiar with their school and sports programs. You should do this so you can ask informed questions and explain why you are interested in their school.
• Prepare for calls with coaches ahead of time. Have a list of questions for the coaches and be prepared for questions that coaches might ask. 

Related: 15 Questions to Ask Coaches on Your First Call

4. Attend Summer Camps and Showcases

• Camps and showcases will help you with exposure from coaches who are specifically there to identify talent.
• Most of the college coaches who attend camps and showcases are there only to watch players they have already had contact with. If you want to get a specific coach's radar, notify him/her before the camp or showcase and let them know when you will be playing. 
• If a coach talks to you or your parents at a camp or showcase, you will want to make sure that you follow up with that coach by calling or emailing them in a timely manner. 

5. Stay Caught up on Academic Requirements

• The first step is to register with the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers to be cleared for athletic scholarships.
• Research which core courses you must take and the grades you must earn to be academically eligible. Arrange your academic calendar around these requirements.
• Research which exams you must take and the minimum score requirements for your target schools.
• Stay on top of the NCAA and NAIA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

Related: Navigating the NAIA Eligibility Center

6. Know the NCAA and NAIA Rules and Regulations

• Know all the rules that apply to you based on your year in high school.
• Know exactly how and when coaches can contact you and how you can contact coaches. The rules change often. 
• Read the NCAA and NAIA Guide. 

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* Originally published on February 15, 2022, by Keirsten Sires