Where can high school athletes find college scholarships?

As a student-athlete, I'm curious about scholarships for athletes. What are the best opportunities out there for high school athletes, and how can I increase my chances of getting one?

Securing an athletic scholarship can open doors to exciting college opportunities. For high school athletes, there are a multitude of resources, but I'll outline a few dominant avenues:

1. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): With over 1100 colleges and universities as members, NCAA distributes billions of dollars in scholarships annually. Your high school coach can be a valuable liaison in initiating contact with college coaches.

2. NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): Smaller and less known than NCAA, NAIA represents smaller colleges and universities and also provides thousands of scholarships.

3. NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): A good choice for athletes considering junior colleges. NJCAA provides many athletic-based scholarships.

To increase your chances of earning an athletic scholarship:

1. Skills and Performance: Performance in high school games and tournaments is crucial as you'll be initially judged on this.

2. Exposure and Networking: Attend sports camps and showcase events to get exposure. Consider creating a sports resume with your achievements and a video highlighting your skills.

3. Academics: Many organizations require a minimum GPA for their scholarships. Strong academic performance can also open doors to a combination of scholarships (academic and athletic).

4. Start Early: Begin the process in your sophomore year if possible, to give yourself ample time to research opportunities and make contacts.

Remember, the scholarship process is quite competitive. Be proactive, stay consistent, and be open-minded to different opportunities. It's not about the size of the school, but the quality of the education and the athletic program that counts. Good luck!