For student athletes and their parents, the college athletic recruiting process can be confusing and filled with misconceptions. However, once armed with the basics, the process is much easier to navigate and all potential opportunities can be explored.
According to David Batzer, a local San Diego area scout for the National Scouting Report, the most important factor to increase a student’s chances of obtaining scholarships and/or playing opportunities at the collegiate level is academic performance. “Academics open most doors and put you in the best position for your life and career after college. It will also give you a leg up in the recruiting process since coaches will know you are intelligent and hard-working,” says Batzer.
While academic performance is crucial, so is being proactive and starting early. “The biggest misconception is that ‘If I am good enough, they will find me.’ While this may be true for the highest level Division I athletes, it does not necessarily hold true for the majority of athletes,” says Batzer.
Batzer recommends that student athletes and their parents let college coaches know about their abilities early on in their high school career. “Most Division I programs are currently recruiting athletes for 2013 and beyond,” says Batzer.
Another common misconception is that if an athlete is recruited, they will go to school for free. While this may be true for the most elite Division I athletes in revenue generating sports, such as football and basketball, most athletes receive partial scholarships. “Division III, for example, does not give out athletic scholarships. Most student athletes at Division III schools get merit scholarships for academics and/or financial aid,” says Batzer.
For student athletes wishing to compete in the NCAA at Division I or II schools, it is essential that they register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. The center is the authority that certifies an athlete eligible to compete at the completion of their senior year of high school. According to Batzer, “If you are not certified, you do not compete, no matter how good of an athlete you are.”
Batzer offers one final piece of advice for student athletes who are thinking about entering the college athletic recruiting process. “You need to ask yourself, ‘Is this a school I can see myself attending even if I can’t play my sport?’ You need to pick a school that will offer you the best chances of pursuing your lifetime goals.”
