The college recruiting process can feel complicated for athletes and families who are navigating it for the first time. From the moment athletes begin high school to the point where they commit to a program, there are specific steps that shape the journey. Understanding the process is important not only for eligibility but also for maximizing opportunities.

When Recruiting Starts

Recruiting often begins earlier than families expect. College coaches start tracking athletes as early as freshman and sophomore year of high school. For Division I sports, many programs identify potential recruits well before junior year.

This means athletes should focus on building both their academic and athletic resumes right away. Strong grades, quality film, and participation in the right tournaments or competitions all increase the chances of getting noticed.

Academic Requirements for Eligibility

Academics are just as important as athletic performance. To be eligible, student-athletes must:

• Complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses in subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
• Maintain a qualifying GPA (2.3 for Division I, 2.2 for Division II).
• Submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT if required for their graduation year.

Failing to meet these requirements can prevent athletes from competing at the college level, no matter how skilled they are.

Gaining Exposure

One of the most important parts of the recruiting process is exposure. Coaches need to see athletes compete and evaluate their potential.

For team sports, this often means creating highlight film from games, practices, and tournaments. A clear, well-edited video that shows skills and decision-making helps coaches quickly determine if an athlete fits their program.

For individual sports, competing in the right tournaments and events is critical. Coaches often rely on rankings, times, or verified results from specific circuits. Performing well at these competitions signals readiness for college-level athletics.

Social media and the ASM Sports App also play a crucial role. Many coaches check athletes’ profiles to see film, stats, and even how athletes present themselves online.

Coach Communication

Once an athlete is on a coach’s radar, communication becomes an important step. The NCAA sets rules on when and how college coaches can reach out, but athletes are always allowed to send emails, highlight videos, or updates to coaches directly.

During the evaluation period, coaches may:

• Send general interest letters or questionnaires.
• Invite athletes to camps or clinics.
• Communicate through club or high school coaches.

As athletes move later into high school, communication becomes more personal. Phone calls, texts, and in-person conversations are common once NCAA recruiting calendars allow direct contact.

Evaluation by Coaches

Coaches use several factors to evaluate recruits:

• Athletic ability: Game performance, practice habits, physical measurables.
• Academic record: GPA, test scores, and progress toward graduation.
• Character: Attitude, teamwork, leadership, and social media presence.

Athletes who show consistency across all three areas tend to receive more attention.

Visits and Showcases

Campus visits are another part of the recruiting process. Athletes may take unofficial visits at their own expense or official visits paid for by the school. These visits allow athletes to meet coaches, see facilities, and get a sense of campus life.

Showcases and tournaments also play a major role. Coaches often attend events that bring together top talent in one place, making it easier to evaluate multiple athletes at once. Performing well in these settings can quickly elevate a recruit’s profile.

Scholarship Offers

When a coach is ready to move forward, they may extend a scholarship offer. These offers can vary widely between sports and programs.

In headcount sports such as Division I football and basketball, scholarships are often full rides. In equivalency sports like soccer, baseball, or track, scholarship budgets are divided among multiple athletes, which means partial scholarships are more common.

Families should understand that a partial athletic scholarship can often be combined with academic or need-based aid to cover more of the cost.

Commitments and Signing

For years, athletes in Division I and II would sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to officially commit to a program. In 2024, the NCAA voted to eliminate the NLI program for Division I. Athletes now sign written offers of athletic aid instead. Once a written aid agreement is signed, other schools are prohibited from contacting the athlete further.

Division II programs may still use the NLI or similar agreements, depending on conference and school policies. Either way, the signing process formalizes the relationship between athlete and school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Athletes and families often run into challenges during recruiting. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Starting too late: Waiting until senior year to begin outreach.
• Ignoring academics: Failing to meet core course or GPA requirements.
• Poor communication: Not responding to coaches or failing to follow up.
• Limited exposure: Skipping highlight film, key tournaments, or showcases.

Avoiding these mistakes can keep the recruiting process on track and increase the chance of earning opportunities.

The Role of Parents

Parents play a significant role in recruiting. They help with organization, scheduling visits, and managing communication. They also provide support during the stressful parts of the process, especially when it comes to balancing academics, athletics, and travel.

At the same time, college coaches want to see athletes take responsibility for their own recruiting. Parents should stay involved but allow their children to handle direct conversations with coaches.

The Recruiting Timeline

While each sport has unique rules, a general timeline looks like this:

• Freshman year: Build academics, start collecting film.
• Sophomore year: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, begin contacting coaches.
• Junior year: Attend showcases, schedule visits, expand communication.
• Senior year: Evaluate offers, take official visits, sign commitment paperwork.

Following this timeline ensures athletes do not miss key windows of opportunity.

Final Takeaway

The college recruiting process is a step-by-step journey that combines academics, athletics, and exposure. From building a strong transcript and highlight reel to communicating with coaches and understanding the rules, athletes who prepare early give themselves the best chance at success.

Recruiting is competitive, but with the right approach, athletes can find programs that match both their academic goals and athletic ability.