How can I pursue track and field scholarships?

I'm a high school junior looking to score a track and field scholarship for college. What are the eligibility criteria, and how can I increase my chances of being awarded one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Securing an athletic scholarship in track and field involves not only excellent performance on the field, but also a demonstrated commitment to your academics and a strategic approach to college exploration. Here's a breakdown of how you can better position yourself:

1. Academic Excellence: The NCAA uses an eligibility criteria that combines your SAT/ACT scores with your GPA. Ensuring your grades are strong not only impacts your eligibility but also makes you a more attractive candidate for colleges.

2. Athletic Performance: Needless to say, your performance in track and field is vital. Continuously improving and excelling in your events can increase your chances of getting noticed. Try to participate in regional and national competitions when possible.

3. Highlight Your Skills: Make a highlight reel of your best races and key moments in competitions. This can be shared with coaches during outreach.

4. Proactively Reach Out: If there are schools you're particularly interested in, don't hesitate to reach out to the track and field coaches there. Send them an introductory email with your times, awards, and a link to your highlight reel.

5. Be Open-Minded: While it might be tempting to only consider Division I schools, consider smaller schools too. Division II and III schools, as well as NAIA schools, might have more opportunities.

6. Be Coachable and Show Leadership: Coaches aren't just looking for athletes who are highly skilled. They want athletes who are coachable, dedicated, and who function well in a team. Displaying leadership qualities can also make you an attractive candidate.

7. Choose The Right Events: Certain track and field events are more popular than others. If you excel in a less popular event, you may face less competition for scholarships.

8. Start Early: Begin your preparation early. The recruiting process often starts during your junior year, so it's advantageous to start improving and making connections as soon as possible.

Remember, it's also crucial to confirm that the schools you're applying to offer track and field scholarships. Not all schools offer athletic scholarships, and the award process can vary widely between schools.