Is NCSA really worth the investment?

Hello! I've been looking at NCSA as a resource to help me get recruited for college athletics, but I'm a bit unsure. Does anyone have first-hand experience with NCSA and can share if it's worth the time and money?

NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) can certainly be a good resource for aspiring collegiate athletes, but whether it's "worth it" largely depends on your specific needs and situation. It provides a large database of colleges and their programs, and the ability to connect directly with coaches can be valuable. This platform also offers tools to develop an online athletic profile, video analysis of your performances, guidance on NCAA eligibility, and assistance in communicating with coaches.

However, it does come with a considerable price tag, with costs that can reach thousands of dollars for the full range of services. So, it might not be the most appropriate choice for everybody. Many of these resources, or similar ones, can be found for lower costs or even for free elsewhere. For instance, you can research schools and their programs online, make a highlight reel on your own, and contact coaches directly via email or through their university's recruiting questionnaires.

Moreover, your high school coach, athletic director, or guidance counselor could provide you with valuable advice and potentially have connections with college coaches, providing mentorship without such a fee.

Ultimately, consider your personal circumstances, your deadline for recruitment, how much legwork you're willing to undertake, and how specialized your sport is. If you decide to use a recruiting service like NCSA, make sure to take full advantage of the resources available to you to make the most out of your investment. For many athletes, being proactive, persistent, and patient during the process can yield good results too.