High School Sports Recruiting Process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've been really active in sports throughout high school. Can anyone guide me through the high school sports recruiting process? I'm not sure where to start or how to reach out to college coaches.

Certainly! The high school sports recruiting process can be challenging, but with a bit of guidance, you can navigate it effectively. Here are the main steps you should follow:

1. Identify your target schools: Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, and the level of athletic competition (NCAA Division I, II, or III). Create a list of colleges that would be a good fit for you both academically and athletically.

2. Create a sports resume: Compile your athletic and academic achievements, including your stats and awards. Include information on your high school, graduation year, GPA, and test scores if available. You should also provide your coach's contact information.

3. Prepare a highlight video: Create a short video that showcases your best skills and plays from your high school sports career. Keep it concise, usually between 3-5 minutes long, and make sure it's high-quality footage.

4. Research college coaches: Visit the athletic websites of your target schools to find the contact information for the head coach and, if applicable, the recruiting or position-specific coaches. This will be the primary point of contact for your recruiting process.

5. Reach out to coaches: Send a personalized email to each coach, expressing your interest in their program and explaining why you would be a good fit. Attach your sports resume and provide a link to your highlight video. Remember to be professional and polite in these emails.

6. Attend camps and showcases: Participate in sports camps, clinics, and showcases where college coaches are likely to be present. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate your skills in person and interact with coaches directly.

7. Keep coaches updated: As your junior and senior seasons progress, send updates to college coaches about your achievements and any new highlights. This maintains your connection to the coaches and demonstrates your continued interest in their program.

8. Prepare for official and unofficial visits: College coaches may invite you on an official or unofficial visit to their campus. Use this time to get to know the team, coaching staff, and academic environment to ensure it's the right fit for you.

9. Be proactive about deadlines: Keep track of important deadlines such as the NCAA initial eligibility process, financial aid applications, and school-specific athletic scholarship requirements.

10. Stay in contact with your high school coach: Your current coach can be an invaluable resource during the recruiting process. They may have connections to college coaches, can provide recommendations, and help you navigate this journey.

Remember, patience and persistence are key throughout this process. Keep honing your athletic and academic skills while maintaining a proactive approach to your sports recruitment. Good luck!