How to qualify for track and field scholarships?

I'm a junior who's really passionate about track and field, and I'm curious about how I can qualify for track and field scholarships. What do coaches typically look for, and are there any particular times or distances I should aim for? Any advice would be appreciated!

Securing a track and field scholarship depends on a combination of factors including your athletic performance, academic standing, and ability to meet the specific needs of the college team. Here are a few general guidelines on how you might increase your chances:

1. Strong Athletic Performance: Each event in track and field has performance benchmarks for scholarship consideration which tend to vary by division and school. For example, a D1 university might have higher performance benchmarks than D3 schools. It's best to research the event times/distances for athletes at the colleges you're interested in. Look at the team roster and event results to see where you stand.

2. Academic Excellence: Merit-based academic scholarships can often be combined with athletic scholarships. Therefore, maintaining high grades and a strong GPA can not only enhance your scholarship options, but it can also make you a more attractive recruit for the coach.

3. Be Proactive: Contact the coaching staff at the colleges you're interested in attending. Prepare a sports resume detailing your personal records, a list of relevant accolades, and perhaps a highlight reel showcasing your abilities, if possible. Express your interest in their program and ask them any questions about their recruiting process.

4. Attend Combine Events or Camps: Some colleges and organizations hold combine events for track and field athletes where they can showcase their skills in front of college recruiters. Attending these events can potentially get you exposure to a variety of schools.

5. NAIA and NJCAA Scholarships: Don't forget about track and field opportunities in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) or at Junior colleges (NJCAA). These institutions also have access to athletic scholarships, and the competitive requirements can be different from NCAA divisions.

As always, make sure to apply for financial aid and other scholarships that you might qualify for to supplement any potential athletic scholarships. Every bit helps when funding higher education!