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Written By: The College Recruiting Playbook

Freshman April. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Freshman Athlete’s Guide

Starting high school is a big transition for everyone, and it’s especially challenging for student-athletes who are looking to excel on both the academic and athletic fronts. As a student-athlete, you know how important it is to stay on top of things, so that you can make the most of your freshman year. In this blog post, we will provide you with a task list for the month of April in your freshman year, so that you can continue building your pathway to success.

Research Summer Camps and Events
Attending summer camps and events can provide you with a great opportunity to develop your skills and improve your game. Start researching summer camps and events that align with your interests and needs. You can use this time to gain exposure to college coaches, but more importantly, you can improve your skill development. It’s important to go into these events with a specific plan of what you want to achieve. Make a checklist of what you need to do, what you need to bring and what you hope to learn.

Ask Questions in the CRP Forum
The CRP forum is an online community where you can connect with other student-athletes who are also looking to pursue college athletics. Use this forum to ask questions and update the community on your milestones and achievements. It’s important to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This is a good way to stay motivated and get the support you need to stay on top of your game.

Complete Recruiting Questionnaires
This time can also be used to complete recruiting questionnaires for colleges and their athletic programs. These questionnaires allow colleges to express their interest in you and your athletic abilities. While filling out these questionnaires, be sure to highlight your academic and athletic achievements. Remember to be honest, and only fill out questionnaires from colleges that you’re interested in attending.

Learn How to Present Yourself
Body language is an important aspect when presenting yourself to college coaches. It’s important to present yourself in the best way possible. Social media, emails, and conversation all play a role in how you present yourself. You should learn how to present your ‘best you’. Remember, the first impression counts the most.

Conclusion
Starting high school as a student-athlete can be overwhelming, but with this task list, you can stay on top of things. Use this time to develop your skills, celebrate your milestones, complete recruiting questionnaires, and learn how to present yourself in the best way possible. By doing this, you’ll be standing out to college coaches and prospective colleges. These are important steps that will put you on the path to success. Remember to always focus on your goals, and stay determined. You got this!