Scholarships for Wrestling: Does Such a Thing Exist?

I'm currently involved in my high school wrestling team and love the sport. I've been curious if wrestling can earn me a college scholarship. How prevalent are wrestling scholarships, and what do I need to be aware of when applying for them? If anyone has experience with this, I'd appreciate tips on how to make my application stand out.

Wrestling scholarships do indeed exist and are awarded by colleges and universities that participate in intercollegiate wrestling. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) are two key organizations under which such scholarships are provided. However, these scholarships are highly competitive and typically require that you excel not only on the wrestling mat but also in the classroom.

In NCAA Division I and II, colleges can offer wrestling scholarships, but the total number they can give is capped. It's important to note however that coaches often "split" these full scholarships into smaller, partial scholarships to recruit and support more wrestlers on their team. Additionally, the NCAA Division III, which includes many excellent schools, does not offer athletic scholarships, but you can still be given a strong financial aid package based on academic merit and needs.

The NAIA also offers scholarships and there is slightly more flexibility in terms of how these are awarded. The number of scholarships available can vary significantly from college to college, so it’s worth looking specifically at the colleges you are interested in to understand what scholarship opportunities they might have.

So, how can you strengthen your scholarship application? Here are some tips:

Commitment: Show your dedication to the sport. This could be demonstrated through involvement in off-season wrestling activities or participating in regional or national tournaments. Coaches want wrestlers who are passionate and committed to their sport.

Academic Excellence: Strong grades and SAT/ACT scores can increase your opportunities because some wrestling scholarships can be contingent on academic performance.

Create a Highlight Video: A highlight video showing off your best matches can be a useful tool. This gives coaches a quick, at-a-glance look at your skills and potential.

Letters of Recommendation: Get recommendations from current or past coaches who can vouch for your wrestling abilities and work ethic. This can strengthen your application greatly.

Connect with Coaches: Reach out to wrestling coaches at the colleges that you’re interested in. Express your interest in their program and your desire to compete at the college level. This initiative can certainly set you apart.

Remember, each school has its process for wrestling scholarships, so research your chosen schools thoroughly and reach out to their wrestling coach or athletic department for specific information on how to apply.