A question that many high school athlete’s, parents and even coaches have a hard time answering during the athletic recruiting process is, “What level can I earn a scholarship at?”  There is a big difference between what level can I play at and what level will I be able to earn a scholarship.

Just because a school doesn’t offer you a scholarship, it doesn’t mean you can’t play at that level or within their conference. It’s just not going to be at that school.  You also want to be able to realize when it’s time to drop down a division or conference during the athletic recruiting process. Set up n athletic recruiting approach that allows you to contact schools and coaches across divisions, conferences, and organizations (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA).  Judge the feedback and constantly rework your recruiting game plan until you find what works for you.

Too many athletes overlook other options and are dead set, whether by their choice or their parent’s, on attending a major DI talent. These athletes could have gotten a scholarship offer at a smaller DI school or DII in an instant, but that wasn’t part of their goals. Don’t be left without a team and decide early on whether your goal is a college athletic scholarship or reaching out of your skill level.

A good amount of time needs to be spent while doing your personal recruiting plan.  You should examine your talent, desire, ability for growth and competition when searching for a college athletic scholarship.  You must not let your ego get in the way either. By knowing what division and level you can earn an athletic scholarship at, makes your sports recruiting more targeted and successful.

In the beginning of the athletic recruiting process, athletes should start comparing themselves to the college athletes at schools they are considering. Go online to the athletic teams website. Compare height, weight, and overall size. Do you feel that you will be that size in a year or two? Look at the press releases from the previous incoming scholarship freshman class. Do you have similar talent, stats, and ability?

Those are a couple of quick things you can do to compare yourself and get an idea of where you fall into the athletic recruiting skill levels.