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Recruiting Guide

At Game Plan Athletics, we know the college recruiting process can be overwhelming. With the right plan, every athlete can find their best fit. This guide breaks down each step, provides actionable strategies, and helps you take control of your recruiting journey. Whether you’re just starting or deep into the process, use this as your roadmap to maximize your opportunities.

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“Don’t settle for good, go be great.”

- The Game Plan Athletics Team

Understanding the College Recruiting Process
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”

There are over 1,800 NCAA member schools and 500,000 NCAA student-athletes across all divisions.

Every athlete’s recruiting journey looks different, and it’s important to focus on what truly matters to you, both on and off the court.

 

It’s never too early to start preparing for recruitment. Beginning the process during your freshman or sophomore year can give you a significant advantage by allowing more time to research schools, build relationships with coaches, and improve both your academic and athletic profiles. Early preparation can also reduce stress later on and give you more options when it comes time to make a decision. As you start exploring schools, be clear about your priorities.

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It’s also crucial to understand the recruiting timelines for your specific sport and division. Every sport and level (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, NJCAA, etc.) has different rules about when and how coaches can contact athletes. Familiarize yourself with these timelines early so you don’t miss key opportunities or deadlines.

Always keep your options open throughout the process. Many athletes focus solely on NCAA Division I programs but later discover amazing opportunities at Division II, Division III, NAIA, or junior college programs that better match their goals and needs. Some of the best athletic, academic, and personal experiences happen at levels athletes may not have initially considered.

 

The ultimate goal is to find a program where you can thrive in the classroom, in your sport, and in life beyond college. Taking time to explore all your options, starting early, and staying open-minded will help you find your best fit and make the most of the recruiting process.

Action Step: 
Write down your top three priorities for your college experience. Share these with your family and coach for feedback.

Creating Your Recruiting Profile (FieldLevel, Hudl, etc.)
“It’s not about being the best. It’s about being your best and making yourself visible.”

90% of college coaches review online profiles and highlight reels before making contact (NCSA).Platforms like FieldLevel and Hudl are great tools to showcase your stats, highlight videos, academic achievements, and contact information. Be sure to include clear, recent action photos and keep your profile honest and accurate. Regularly update your profile with new stats, awards, or highlights, and ask your coach to review it to ensure everything is complete and up to date.

Action Step: 
Create or update your recruiting profile this week. Double-check all information and add at least one new highlight or accomplishment.

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Building a Standout Highlight Reel
“Let your work speak for itself.”

Coaches spend an average of 2 minutes reviewing an athlete's highlight reel before deciding on next steps. Keep your highlight video concise—aim for 2 to 3 minutes total. Start with your best plays, as coaches often watch just the first minute. Use short clips (30 seconds to 1 minute), clearly label your position and jersey number, and show a range of skills relevant to your role. High-quality video makes a big difference!

Action Step: 
Select your top 8-10 clips and organize them for your highlight reel, ensuring the total video is no longer than 2-3 minutes. Ask your coach or a trusted mentor for feedback before sharing.

Researching Colleges and Programs
“Find a place where you can grow, compete, and belong.”

The average NCAA student-athlete spends 30-40 hours per week on academics and athletics combined. When exploring schools, it’s important to look beyond just the athletics to find the best overall fit. Consider the academic programs offered—make sure the school has your intended major or areas of academic interest. Look at the athletic division and the competitiveness of the program to ensure it aligns with your goals and abilities. Team culture is also key; think about the coaching style, team dynamics, and the overall environment.

Campus size and location can make a big difference in your experience, so think about whether you prefer a large university or a smaller campus, as well as the setting—urban, suburban, or rural. Don’t overlook support services such as academic advising, tutoring, career development, and mental health resources, which can play a huge role in your success on and off the court.

 

Finally, take the time to review graduation rates and career placement statistics. These numbers can give you valuable insight into how well the school supports its students academically and prepares them for life after college. The goal is to find a place where you can thrive both as a student and as an athlete.

Action Step: 
Make a list of 10 college you're interested in. For each, note the athletic division, academic strengths, location, and something unique about the program. 

Communicating with College Coaches
“Communication opens doors -- be proactive and professional.”

Over 80% of initial coach-athlete contacts are made via email or recruiting platforms. When introducing yourself to a coach via email, include your name, position, graduation year, GPA, and a link to your highlight reel or recruiting profile. Be sure to personalize each message—mention specific reasons why you’re interested in their program.

 

Throughout the recruiting process, keep coaches updated on your progress, academic achievements, athletic milestones, and upcoming competitions where they can watch you play. Consistent updates keep you on their radar and demonstrate your dedication.

 

Stay organized by saving all correspondence and tracking which coaches and programs you’ve contacted. You can create a spreadsheet or document with details like contact dates, responses, and follow-up reminders. This will help you manage multiple conversations, meet deadlines, and stay professional throughout your recruiting journey. Being proactive, organized, and respectful in your communication can set you apart and help build lasting connections with college coaches.

Action Step: 
Draft an introductory email to a college coach. Include your academic/athletic information and a link to your highlight reel or recruiting profile. Send it to at least three schools this week. 

Academic Preparation and Eligibility 
“Take care of your grades -- your future depends on it.”

Understanding eligibility requirements is a crucial part of the recruiting process. Both the NCAA and NAIA have specific academic standards, including minimum GPA requirements, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), and completion of core courses. It’s important to know these early so you can plan your high school classes accordingly and stay on track for eligibility.

 

Maintaining strong grades is essential—not only to meet eligibility rules but also because coaches look closely at academic consistency. Strong academics can open more opportunities and show coaches that you’re dependable both on and off the court.

 

Registering with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center early—ideally by your sophomore year—ensures that you’re prepared for the recruiting process and allows coaches to verify your eligibility. You’ll also want to regularly request updated transcripts from your school and keep copies of your test scores and academic records. Staying organized will help you avoid delays and keep the recruiting process moving smoothly.

Taking these steps early can help you avoid last-minute surprises and demonstrate to coaches that you’re proactive, responsible, and ready to compete at the next level.

Action Step: 
Check your current GPA and review eligibility requirements for your target schools and divisions. Make a plan to improve or maintain your academic standing.

Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid 
“Be informed, be prepared -- opportunity favors the ready.”

When planning for college, it’s important to understand the different financial aid options available to student-athletes. Less than 2% of high school athletes receive athletic scholarships; most are partial, not full rides. Athletic scholarships vary widely by division, sport, and school—while some programs can offer full scholarships, most athletic offers are partial scholarships that cover only a portion of tuition or expenses. In addition, many schools offer academic scholarships and merit-based awards based on GPA, test scores, or other achievements, which can be stacked with athletic aid in some cases.

 

Don’t overlook federal and state financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which may provide grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. There are also numerous private scholarships and grants available from local organizations, nonprofits, and companies that can help offset costs.

 

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

  • Start researching and applying early—many scholarships and aid programs have strict deadlines.

  • Always ask coaches directly about available scholarship opportunities and what’s typically covered for athletes in their program.

  • Understand that most scholarship offers are partial, so it’s common for athletes to combine multiple sources of financial aid.

 

Being proactive and organized can help you maximize your financial aid and make your college goals more affordable.

Action Step: 
Fill out the FASFA and research at least three additional scholarship opportunities this month.

NCAA/NAIA/Junior College Rules and Timelines
“Know the rules -- play the game the right way.”

Each athletic association has its own recruiting rules and timelines, and it’s important to understand the differences to stay compliant and make the most of your opportunities.

 

The NCAA has some of the strictest regulations, with specific rules on when coaches can initiate contact, schedule visits, and make scholarship offers. For example, in NCAA Division I, most coaches cannot begin recruiting contact with athletes until June 15 after their sophomore year—though this varies by sport.

 

The NAIA tends to have more flexible recruiting rules, but athletes must still register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to be officially recruited. Coaches in the NAIA can generally reach out to athletes earlier and with fewer restrictions.

 

Junior colleges (NJCAA) follow their own set of guidelines, with unique recruiting timelines and clear transfer pathways for athletes who may want to move on to four-year programs after completing their two-year degree.

 

No matter the level, understanding these rules helps you stay proactive and make informed decisions throughout the recruiting process. Always research the guidelines for your sport and division early to avoid missing key dates or opportunities.

Action Step: 
Visit the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA website for your sport and review the latest recruiting calendar and rules. Note any important dates in your calendar.

Social Media and Personal Branding
“Your reputation is built by what you consistently do -- on and off the field.”

85% of college coaches say a recruit's social media can influence their decision to pursue or drop a prospect. Coaches routinely review social media profiles as part of their recruiting process to get a better sense of an athlete’s character, values, and personality beyond just their on-court skills. Because of this, your online presence can have a major impact on how coaches perceive you. Inappropriate posts, negative comments, or anything that could raise red flags might cause a coach to reconsider recruiting you, regardless of your talent or achievements.

 

To make the most of your social media, focus on using your platforms to highlight the qualities coaches look for in student-athletes, such as your work ethic, sportsmanship, and involvement in community service. Sharing photos or stories that demonstrate your commitment to the team, your leadership both on and off the court, and your appreciation for coaches, teammates, and supporters can create a strong, positive impression.

 

Regularly auditing your social media accounts is crucial. Take the time to review your posts, comments, and tagged photos from a coach’s perspective. Remove or hide anything that could be misinterpreted or might not reflect your best self. Setting your accounts to private may help control who sees your content, but remember that coaches often expect transparency, so keeping your profiles professional and positive is the best approach.

 

In today’s digital age, your social media presence is often an extension of your personal brand. Managing it thoughtfully can set you apart from other recruits and demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and readiness for the demands of college athletics.

Action Step: 
Review your social media account. Remove or update any content that doesn't reflect the image you want to present to coaches. 

Parent/ Guardian Role in Recruiting
“Support from home is the foundation for success on the road.”

​70% of surveyed coaches say parent behavior is a factor in recruiting decisions (NCAA Coaching Survey). 

 

The Good:
A key role for parents and guardians in the recruiting process is to encourage independence by allowing athletes to take the lead in communicating with coaches. This helps build their confidence, professionalism, and responsibility—traits coaches highly value. While the athlete leads, parents can provide critical support by helping to organize important documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and recruiting forms, and by keeping track of deadlines to ensure nothing is missed. Coordinating travel plans for visits, tournaments, or showcases is another way to ease the logistical burden, so the athlete can stay focused on their development.

 

Parents should also take time to stay informed about recruiting rules, eligibility requirements, and academic standards to help guide their athlete through this often complex process. Lastly, parents set the tone for their athlete by modeling respect—whether it’s toward coaches, officials, or other families. Demonstrating sportsmanship and positivity encourages a healthy environment and reflects well on the athlete and their family.

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The Bad:
While it’s natural to want to help, parents can unintentionally hurt their athlete’s chances by overstepping boundaries, such as contacting coaches directly instead of letting the athlete do so. Coaches expect recruits to manage their own communications and may view parental interference as a red flag or a lack of maturity.

 

Another common pitfall is exhibiting poor sideline behavior—whether it’s arguing with officials, criticizing coaches, or creating drama with other families. This type of conduct can damage the athlete’s reputation and make coaches hesitant to recruit them, as they want players who contribute to a positive team culture.

Additionally, undermining an athlete’s independence by making decisions for them or placing excessive pressure on them can increase stress and anxiety, which negatively impacts performance and overall well-being. It’s important to trust your athlete, support their choices, and encourage a balanced approach so they can thrive both on and off the court.

 

By focusing on these positive roles and avoiding common missteps, parents can play a crucial part in supporting their athlete’s recruiting journey without overshadowing their growth and independence.

Action Step: 
Schedule a family meeting to discuss recruiting goals, roles, and responsibilities. Make a shared calendar for deadline and important dates.  

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
“Success is not just about making the right moves, but also avoiding the wrong ones.”

The top reason athletes miss out on opportunities are due to being inadequately prepared and not responding to coaches or missing deadlines. 

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Here are a few common recruiting mistakes to avoid:

  • Waiting too long to start—begin early to maximize opportunities.

  • Limiting yourself to just one division or school type—explore all options.

  • Neglecting academics—grades and eligibility are essential.

  • Ignoring coaches or missing deadlines—stay organized and responsive.

  • Being dishonest or inconsistent—always provide accurate, honest information.

 

Starting early, staying open-minded, and being proactive with communication and academics are key to a successful recruiting process.

Action Step: 
Identify one potential mistake you might make in your process. Write down a strategy to avoid it and review it regularly.   

Game Plan Recruiting Resources and Support
“You're not alone -- use your resources and your team.”

Athletes who use recruiting platforms and seek guidance are 3x more likely to connect with college programs. 

 

Take advantage of the many resources available to support your recruiting journey. Connect with GPA’s recruiting coordinator and coaching staff for guidance and networking opportunities. Keep your FieldLevel and Hudl profiles updated to showcase your skills. Make sure to register with the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA Eligibility Centers to stay compliant with eligibility rules. Lean on your school counselors and academic advisors for academic planning and transcript support. Refer to GPA’s College Recruiting Guide for step-by-step tips, and attend college recruiting seminars or webinars to learn from experts and stay informed throughout the process.

Action Step: 
Reach out to your coach or GPA's recruiting coordinator with your current recruiting status and next steps.   

Staying Positive and Open-Minded in the Process
“Success is not always linear-- every path is unique.”

The recruiting process can be unpredictable and, at times, discouraging. Not every athlete receives their dream offer, and the timeline often takes longer than expected. It’s important not to get discouraged by setbacks or a lack of immediate responses from coaches. Stay open-minded—many coaches may see potential in you for roles or positions you hadn’t considered, which could lead to great opportunities. In fact, many athletes end up thriving at schools that weren’t initially their top choice.

 

Keep in mind:

  • Only about 7% of high school athletes go on to compete in varsity college sports (NCAA).

  • Less than 2% receive athletic scholarships.

  • However, 85% of student-athletes report high satisfaction with their final college choice (NCAA GOALS Study).

 

Stay patient, flexible, and positive—the right fit may come from unexpected places.

Action Step: 
Write down three things you're grateful for in your recruiting journey so far.   

General Recruiting Timeline Checklist
“Recruiting Timeline Checklist PDF”

Freshman Year (9th Grade)

  • Focus on academics—start strong with your grades, as they matter for eligibility and scholarships later on.

  • Begin building your athletic resume and start creating highlight videos showcasing your skills.

  • Attend camps and clinics to improve your game, gain exposure, and start networking with coaches.

  • Start researching colleges and athletic programs to understand what opportunities are available and what might interest you in the future.

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Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

  • Keep academics a top priority and register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center to track eligibility.

  • Update your recruiting profiles on platforms like FieldLevel and Hudl with current stats, videos, and accomplishments.

  • Attend college showcases and tournaments to gain more exposure.

  • Start reaching out to coaches with introductory emails—share your academic info, highlight video, and interest in their program.

  • Begin tracking your athletic and academic achievements in an organized way.

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Junior Year (11th Grade)

  • Take standardized tests (SAT/ACT) and send scores to schools you're interested in.

  • Narrow down your list of potential colleges and athletic programs to focus your efforts.

  • Schedule unofficial campus visits and attend prospect days or camps hosted by colleges on your list.

  • Communicate regularly with college coaches—build relationships and ask about opportunities.

  • Request feedback from coaches to improve your game and update your highlight reel with your latest clips.

  • Start looking into scholarship opportunities and begin preparing for financial aid applications.

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Senior Year (12th Grade)

  • Finalize your top-choice schools and programs based on academics, athletics, and overall fit.

  • Schedule official campus visits to programs that are actively recruiting you.

  • Respond quickly and professionally to all coach communications and offers—timing is crucial.

  • Complete your college applications and submit financial aid forms, including the FAFSA.

  • If offered, you can sign your National Letter of Intent (NLI) or other commitment forms.

  • Once you make your decision, notify all coaches you’ve been in contact with and thank them for their time and interest.

Glossary of Recruiting Terms

  • Official Visit: A campus visit paid for by the college; school covers transportation, meals, and lodging.

  • Unofficial Visit: A campus visit paid for by the student/family; you may meet with coaches but pay your own way.

  • Contact Period: Timeframe when college coaches can communicate in-person or off-campus.

  • Dead Period: Timeframe when coaches cannot have face-to-face contact or watch athletes compete in person.

  • Quiet Period: Coaches can communicate with athletes on campus but not off-campus.

  • National Letter of Intent (NLI): A binding agreement for a student-athlete to attend a college for one academic year in exchange for athletic aid.

  • Verbal Commitment: A non-binding, informal commitment made by an athlete to attend a college.

  • Scholarship Offer: Financial aid offered by a college coach (full or partial).

  • Walk-On: An athlete who joins a college team without an athletic scholarship.

  • Eligibility Center: The organization (NCAA or NAIA) that certifies academic and amateur status.

  • Redshirt: Delaying competition for a year to extend eligibility.

  • FieldLevel/Hudl: Online platforms for athlete recruiting profiles and highlight videos.

Add recruiting guide.

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