Any tips or advice for wrestling offers?

I'm currently a junior and I've been wrestling throughout high school. I'm hoping to continue this in college and start getting some offers. What are some things I should be doing to increase my chances of getting recognized by college coaches? Also, how do wrestling offers typically work? Should I be reaching out to coaches, or is it better to let them come to me? Any advice from those who have been through this process would be awesome!

From a recruitment standpoint, proactive steps do make a significant difference in being recognized by collegiate coaches. Coaches oversee hundreds (if not thousands) of potential student-athletes, so anything you can do to stand out is beneficial. Here are few strategies you might consider:

1. Compile a Highlight Reel: Video footage of your wrestling matches, particularly the ones in which you performed exceptionally well, could serve as a critical tool. Try compiling these into a highlight reel and keep it updated as you progress.

2. Create an Athlete Profile: Consider setting up a profile on a collegiate athletic recruiting network. This not only exposes you to a larger audience of coaches but also keeps them informed about your progress throughout the season.

3. Reach out to Coaches: Do not hesitate to contact college coaches of the colleges you're interested in. Send them an email introducing yourself, summarizing your wrestling history, and your interest in their program. Providing information about your qualifications, such as your wrestling records, GPA, test scores, and a link to a video (if you have one) would be useful too. If you have specific tournaments or matches coming up, you could potentially invite them to watch.

As for how wrestling offers work, it really depends on the school and the division level. For NCAA Division I and II wrestling, coaches can offer athletic scholarships which cover everything from full tuition, room and board, books, and fees to partial tuition. NCAA Division III, Ivy Leagues, and other smaller colleges can't offer athletic scholarships, so financial aid packages are typically based on financial need and/or academic merit.

The recruiting process can vary as well. Some wrestlers might get offers in their junior year, while others might not get offers until their senior year. And while you might prefer to have coaches reach out to you first, taking initiative and reaching out to them might also lead to meaningful opportunities. Not all colleges have the resources to scout extensively, so being proactive can put you on a coach's radar.