How can I get track and field scholarships?

I'm considering applying for track and field scholarships for college. Does anyone have advice on how to increase my chances of getting one? What kinds of achievements or stats should I present?

To increase your chances of getting a scholarship for track and field, you would first want to make sure your athletic performance stands out. There are several key areas to consider:

1. Performance Metrics: Coaches are interested in your technical skills and performance metrics. For runners, this could be your personal best times in your events, while for field events, it might be the furthest you’ve thrown or jumped. Consistency and improvement over time is also important.

2. Competitive Experience: Participation in competitive events, especially at district, state, or national level showcases your experience. The higher the level of competition you've participated in, the better.

3. Leadership: If you've held a team captain role, or any other leadership role in your track and field team, make sure to highlight that. It signals to coaches that you have leadership skills and a strong commitment to your team.

When it comes to presenting your achievements and stats to prospective colleges:

- Reach Out to Coaches: Take the initiative and email coaches at the colleges you’re interested in. Your email should be professional, concise, and personalized to each coach. Include your main achievements, stats, upcoming events where you will compete, and a link to a highlight video if you have one.

- Create an Athletic Resume: Just like a job resume, an athletic resume should showcase your best stats, honors, and performances. They help college coaches quickly reference and compare your qualifications.

- Highlight Videos: If possible, having a highlight video that showcases your skills can be an excellent supplemental tool. Videos can show coaches your technique and performance under competition conditions.

Remember, apart from athletic prowess, colleges consider academics as well. Balancing your course work, maintaining a good GPA, and achieving solid standardized test scores (if needed) can help show that you'll not only be a strong athlete but a strong student as well. Good luck with your scholarship search!