Initial Steps to Becoming a Recruited Athlete
** Students interested in pursuing intercollegiate athletics should communicate their interest to their high school coach AND their college counselor. In some cases, a non-Cannon coach may serve as the athletic point person in a student’s recruitment process.””
Collaboration between the student, the coach, and the college counselor can help to ensure that the student’s academic and athletic abilities are being considered when generating the list of schools to pursue and coaches to contact. Student-athletes are encouraged to research and create opportunities versus waiting for coaches to contact the student-athlete. Below you will find information to help start the conversation, and ultimately, the search process.
The NCAA is comprised of three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Additional opportunities exist at the NAIA and junior college levels. The NCAA’s three divisions were created in 1973 to align like-minded campuses in the areas of philosophy, competition and opportunity. Click on this link for a detailed description of the differences in each division.
Division I = 350 institutions (Students who are athletes: 1 in 23) – Athletic scholarships are offered
Division II = 310 institutions (Students who are athletes: 1 in 10) – Athletic scholarships are offered
Division III = 438 institutions (Students who are athletes: 1 in 6) – Athletic scholarships are NOT offered
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is a wonderful resource for students who are embarking on the athletic recruitment process. There are many layers to the recruiting process, and while each sport has its own approach and policies, some written, some understood, its ultimately each student-athlete’s responsibility to research and understand the process. As noted above, please reach out to your coach and/or college counselor for help with your process.
An important aspect of the process is understanding your ability and level so that you can focus your attention on the right division (i.e. I, II, or III). Student-athletes who intend to pursue Division I or II athletics will need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Estimated probability of competing in college athletics
(Information provided by NCAA.org)
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