How does the Naval Academy recruit athletes?

I'm curious about how the Naval Academy finds and brings in athletes. Do they scout high school sports events, or are there special programs? What kind of athletic achievements do they look for in prospective students?

The United States Naval Academy, like many other collegiate programs, utilizes a combination of scouting, individual outreach, and formal recruiting events to identify athletes. High school athletes who are interested in the Naval Academy can also be proactive and reach out to the coaches of the specific sport they play.

Naval Academy scouts typically attend high school sports events and showcases to identify potential recruits. They work closely with high school coaches to understand an athlete's strengths, weaknesses, character, and academic performance.

As for "special programs," the Summer Seminar at the Naval Academy functions as a recruitment tool. It's a week-long program designed to give rising high school seniors a taste of life at the Academy. There, prospective midshipmen take academic classes, participate in physical training, and learn about leadership and character. Athletes can also participate in sports camps at the Naval Academy, which include sports like football, basketball, and soccer among others.

Regarding the athletic achievements they look for, it can widely vary based upon the sport and position. However, high-level performance—like being a starter, participating in playoff games, earning varsity letters, conference honors, or state recognition—and leadership roles, like being a team captain, are clearly beneficial. As the Naval Academy competes at the NCAA Division I level, they're looking for athletes who demonstrate a similarly high level of skill in their sport.

However, it's crucial to remember that being an athlete does not exempt anyone from the Naval Academy's academic requirements and service commitments. Prospective student-athletes must excel academically and demonstrate leadership potential to be seriously considered. After graduation, they're required to serve in the Navy or Marine Corps for a minimum of five years. So, commitment to service and academic excellence are equally as important as athletic prowess.

Finally, all recruits must also pass the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) medical examination, which ensures they meet the physical standards necessary for service. This can sometimes disqualify athlete recruits who would otherwise be accepted into the academy.

Overall, the Naval Academy uses a holistic approach to recruiting athletes, considering not only their athletic achievements but also academic capabilities and dedication to service.