I'm considering pursuing pole vaulting in college and was wondering what heights are typically needed to qualify for athletic scholarships. Also, any tips on getting the coach's attention during recruitment?
The specific height needed to qualify for an athletic scholarship can vary greatly depending on the division and competitiveness of the school you're interested in. Generally, here are some range of heights that may attract the interest of various collegiate athletic programs:
- D1: Male athletes often reach heights of 16 feet or more, while female athletes typically clear 13 feet or more.
- D2: Male athletes clear around 14-15 feet, while female athletes clear around 11-12 feet.
- D3/NAIA: Male athletes generally clear around 13-14 feet, while female athletes clear around 10-11 feet.
This doesn't confirm you'll secure a scholarship, but achieving these heights can make you a more attractive recruit.
To get the coach's attention during recruitment:
1. Start by creating a standout athletic resume, including your personal records, meet results, your academic information, and any awards you've received in your sport.
2. Include a professional, well-edited highlight video attached to your emails, showing your best jumps, form, and technique in action. The video should ideally be less than 5 minutes long.
3. Reach out to coaches personally via email to express your interest in their program, and attach your resume and video.
4. Visit campuses of interest and try to set up in-person meetings with the coaches to show your serious interest.
Always remember, the college recruitment process can be rigorous and time-consuming, but keep pushing! Good luck in your journey.
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