How do D1 track scholarships work?

I'm currently a junior in high school and I've been running track and field for a few years now. I've heard about D1 track scholarships and I'm curious about how they work. Do these scholarships cover full tuition, or are they more likely to be partial? Also, what kind of performance level do I need to reach to be considered for one? Any tips on how to approach the recruiting process would also be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

For a Division I (D1) track and field scholarship, you should note that there are both full and partial scholarships available. This depends on the school and the athlete's performance level. The NCAA allows track and field programs a maximum of 45 scholarships for men and 45 for women. However, these scholarships are often divided among a large team, which might include distance runners, sprinters, and field event athletes. It's more common for athletes to receive partial scholarships because of this division of funds.

As for the performance level, this can vary widely by school. But generally, to be considered for a D1 track and field scholarship, you should aim to reach or exceed the qualifying standards for your state's high school championships. This performance level indicates that you're competitive on a broader stage. Keep in mind that being a state champion or setting records will increase your appeal to D1 programs.

For the recruiting process, your first step should be to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This is a necessary step to ensure you meet the NCAA's academic requirements for student-athletes.

Additionally, you may want to initiate contact with the coaching staff of the schools you're interested in. You can do this by filling out their online recruiting questionnaires, sending introductory emails with your athletic and academic resume, or sharing links to your race results and video footage. Remember, when communicating with college coaches, demonstrate your interest in their program and be thorough and professional in all your communications.

However, you must also factor your academic performance, fit with the school, and cultural fit with the team when considering running at the collegiate level. Balancing your academic and athletic responsibilities can be challenging, so it's important to consider factors beyond just the prospective scholarship.

Be sure to ask questions about the team culture, support services available for athletes, the coach's philosophy, and how the program balances academics and athletics during the recruiting process.