Freshman Year: Do your research
- Create a list of 100 prospective schools (research two or three schools each week).
- Send introductory letters to coaches of programs you’re interested in.
- Fill out questionnaires you receive in the mail and send them back right away.
- Follow up with phone calls and letters to coaches.
- Find camps or combines in your area.
- Attend those events and keep track of your accomplishments.
- Film every game that you participate in.
- Try to go on at least three unofficial visits.
Sophomore Year: Build relationships
- Continue to send letters and make calls to the coaches of programs that interest you.
- Schedule unofficial visits.
- Hone in on the schools you like best from your list of 100.
- Know that Division I and II coaches cannot personally contact you, but you can contact them by sending letters.
- D-III and NAIA coaches can contact you. Stay in touch and build relationships.
- Many high-level D-I schools begin making offers during the summer after your sophomore year.
- Continue filming games, and consider filming a workout.
Junior Year: Focus on your targets and spread the word
- Develop a 5-5-5 List: five programs that may be slightly above your reach, five that are a good fit and five back-up schools.
- Follow up with coaches through phone calls, emails and letters to determine where you stand on their lists of recruits.
- Attend combines, camps and one-day college-sponsored camps.
- Make highlight videos.
- If you haven’t heard from Division I coaches, reach out to D-II, D-III or NAIA programs.
Senior Year: Commit to athletic and academic excellence; seal the deal
- Follow up with coaches and schedule official visits. (Note: You are limited to five official visits to D-I and D-II schools.)
- Start your financial aid planning; register for FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) as soon as January 1.
- Officially commit to a program. Signing Day is the first Wednesday in February, and signings continue.
- Find out when you need to report to camp.
- D-II, D-III, NAIA schools do most of their recruiting and make offers in the spring of your senior year.
- Junior college is a good option for student-athletes who want to develop academically.
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