Are there full-ride scholarships for track athletes?

I'm a junior on my high school track team, and I'm starting to think seriously about my chances for a college scholarship. Do colleges offer full-ride scholarships specifically for track and field athletes? If so, what are coaches typically looking for in a recruit? I'd love to hear any advice you might have for someone like me who's passionate about running and wants to take it to the college level.

Indeed, some colleges do offer full-ride scholarships to talented track and field athletes! These scholarships are typically offered at NCAA Division I and II schools, while Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may offer academic scholarships or financial aid. Please note that full-ride scholarships tend to be the exception rather than the rule.

NCAA rules allow for both headcount scholarships (generally full-ride, and typically found in larger spectator sports like basketball and football) and equivalency scholarships (where the total dollar amount awarded can be divided among multiple athletes however the coach sees fit). For men's track and field, colleges are allotted a certain number of full scholarships they can distribute as partial scholarships if they wish. For women's track and field and cross-country, the number of scholarships available is even higher due to Title IX regulations.

What do coaches look for? It varies, but generally, a combination of three things:

- Athletic Performance: This might be the most obvious – your running times and your performance in meets matter. Coaches often look at an athlete's consistency and improvements over time, as well as peak performance.

- Academic Performance: While athletic prowess is essential, your academics also play an important role. Coaches will often be interested in student-athletes who are academically solid and likely to succeed in the college environment.

- Character and Work Ethic: Coaches appreciate athletes who demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. They look for athletes who will not only contribute on the track but also positively influence the team culture.

There's no single formula for securing a track and field scholarship, so consider reaching out directly to coaches at the colleges you're interested in. Make sure to share your academic records, interests, track times, and accomplishments. A good way to start is to research schools with robust track and field or cross-country programs and get a sense of their current team roster – including the times and achievements of their athletes. This can give you a generous idea of where you'll need to be performance-wise.

Remember to use all the resources available to you, including your high school coach and athletic department. They can provide insight and connections that may be beneficial. Also, be open to exploring various possibilities, such as walking onto a team as well as securing institutional or merit-based scholarships that may complement smaller athletic scholarships.