Where can I find track and field scholarships for college?

Hi! I'm a high school junior who competes in track and field, and I'm considering using my talent to help fund my college education. I'm not sure where to start looking for track and field scholarships or how the recruiting process works for athletes.

Do any of you have advice on how to get noticed by college coaches or which colleges are known for offering generous scholarships to track and field athletes? Any tips for crafting a strong athletic resume or reaching out to coaches would also be appreciated!

Hello! Your decision to leverage your athleticism alongside your academics is a great approach. There are many resources available to help you find track and field scholarships.

For scholarships, you could use the Appily database, which includes a good amount of athletic scholarships. You can filter and search based on your particular sport. Local clubs, organizations, or even your high school may also offer sport-specific scholarships.

The NCAA provides athletic scholarships for more than 150,000 student-athletes, and track and field is among the sports it covers. If you plan to compete at an NCAA college, you may want to understand the difference between Division I, II, and III schools. Only Division I and II schools can offer athletic scholarships, with Division I typically offering more full-ride scholarships than Division II.

Regarding recruiting, creating a standout athletic resume is key. Include your personal details, academic accomplishments, athletic statistics, coach references, and recorded footage of your performances. You can upload these materials to online recruiting platforms where college track and field coaches are likely to see them, or you may want to reach out to college coaches directly.

When reaching out to coaches, be sure to introduce yourself, share your achievements, express your interest in their program, and provide a link to your athletic resume. Reaching out after a big meet where you set personal bests or won awards can be a good time to get their attention. Remember to follow up and maintain contact.

Some schools known for their strong track and field teams, which could be worth looking at, include University of Oregon, University of Southern California, University of Texas, and Florida State University. Bear in mind that the best school for you depends on your academic interests and other personal preferences, not solely the strength of their athletic programs.

Lastly, it's important to keep your grades up. Many scholarships have GPA requirements, and coaches will want to know that you can bring both athletic and academic strength to their school. Good luck!