A Freshman Student-Athlete’s Guide for January & February. Navigating the Path to College Sports
As a parent of a high school student-athlete, you may have realized by now that the process of college recruiting for sports is a long and winding road that requires focus, dedication, and commitment from both the student-athlete and their support system. But fear not! With each new year comes a new opportunity to strengthen your recruiting game, and January and February are the perfect time to make some headway. Here is a task list that high school student-athletes should do during their freshman year in the months of January and February.
Set Personal Goals:
January marks the start of a new year, and there’s no better time to set personal goals for yourself, including academic, athletic, and personal goals. These goals will serve as your guiding light for the upcoming year and will help you stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Take some time to sit down and outline your short-term and long-term goals and prioritize them, so you know where to focus your energy.
Evaluate and Update Your List of Preferred Schools
As a freshman, it’s still early in the game, but it’s never too early to start researching colleges to attend. In January, you should update your list of preferred schools and take into account any new factors you’ve identified since the start of the school year. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, and sports programs. Make sure the schools on your list align with your personal and academic goals, as well as your athletic aspirations.
Continue to Update Your Notebook
As a student-athlete, it’s vital to keep track of everything related to recruiting, from coach contacts to tournament schedules. Update your recruiting notebook (physical or online) in January and keep it up to date throughout the year. As you receive recruiting letters, emails, or phone calls, make sure to log them into your notebook to keep track of the contacts you’ve made.
Start Your Athletic Recruiting Resume
An athletic recruiting resume is a one-to-two-page document highlighting your athletic achievements, academic performance, and personal information. Start building your athletic recruiting resume in January by including your latest transcript and grades. Make sure to keep track of all your athletic achievements, including your game statistics, accolades, and awards.
Maintain a Balanced Routine
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and busyness of school, sports, and recruiting. However, it’s vital to maintain a balanced routine by prioritizing rest, sports, and schoolwork. Make sure to take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid burnout. Remember to enjoy school and the sports you are playing.
Stay on Top of the Recruiting Calendar
Lastly, January is a good time to review the recruiting calendar and keep track of critical dates, including D1 and D2 calendars and NCAA recruiting rules for underclassmen. Use online resources to stay up to date on the latest changes and make sure you are in compliance with all rules and regulations.
Conclusion
High school student-athletes have a lot on their plate, but by following these tasks during January and February, you can get on top of the recruiting process and start making progress in achieving your dreams. Remember to take it one step at a time, stay organized and keep track of all the important dates. As a parent, ensure you offer the support needed to make the process of achieving the goals above easier for your student-athlete.