Incoming Junior August & September. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Junior Athlete’s Guide
Welcome to your junior year! Hard work, dedication, and discipline have led you here. As you get ready to tackle another big year, there are a few things that you need to start thinking about, especially during the month of September. With a bit of planning, you can set yourself up with a path to the college athletic program of your dreams. In this blog, we have highlighted some essential tasks that every high school student-athlete should focus on entering junior year.
Connect with Your High School Guidance Counselor:
At the start of your junior year, schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor. It is essential to ensure that you remain on track to graduate with the necessary NCAA core courses. By the end of your junior year, ten of these courses must be completed. Your counselor will provide you with important information regarding your academic and athletic goals. It is vital to stay on top of your high school academic workload, as this will determine your eligibility to participate in college athletic programs.
Engage with Your Coach:
During your junior year, it is crucial to engage with your high school or club/travel team coach or recruiting expert. Approach them, and define your strategy for athletic recruiting. Your coach will help you make decisions regarding athletic-related matters. They will also write recommendation letters or make calls to college recruiters on your behalf. It is essential to have a strong relationship with your coach as they can provide you with valuable assistance towards reaching your personal and athletic goals.
Identify Areas for Self-improvement:
One of the most important tasks for high school student-athletes is to identify areas for self-improvement. This includes both athletic and academic aspects. Take a realistic approach, as it is essential to understand yourself as a student-athlete. Start considering the type of schools you want to apply to and how you stack up against the team rosters for the program. This will give you a road map of the areas of improvement you need to focus on. Be open to feedback and consistently take actions in areas that need improvement.
Participate in Recruiting Showcases and Camps:
Attend various recruiting showcases and camps. This is an excellent opportunity for you to improve your skills, enhance your exposure to college coaches, and increase your chances of making it onto a college team. It is essential to be well prepared and showcase your best performance. Also, follow up with college coaches, express your interest in their program, and ask for feedback.
Stay Active on Social Media:
Social media is a powerful tool in the hands of vast amounts of people. It is an excellent platform for showcasing your achievements, and most importantly, your athletic and academic goals. And as a high school student athlete, being proactive online and posting your athletic accomplishments and travel team updates can positively impact your recruiting prospects. Just ensure that you represent and maintain good character, both on and off the field. Remember, college coaches are looking for reliable, respectful, and driven student-athletes.
Conclusion:
As an incoming junior, this is a crucial time for you to continue making progress towards becoming a college athlete. Take responsibility for your academic and athletic goals by scheduling meetings with guidance counselors, engaging with your coach, identifying areas for self-improvement, attending recruiting events, and actively posting on social media. Keep in mind that every action you take plays a significant role in shaping your future as a student-athlete. Through hard work, dedication, and a focus on these essential tasks, you can put yourself in a position to achieve your dreams. You got this!