Junior September. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Junior Athlete’s Guide
Junior year is a crucial time for high school student-athletes. It’s the year when many students begin to focus on their college applications, including athletic scholarships. As an incoming junior, there are several tasks you need to complete in September to stay on track for college recruitment. In this blog, we will discuss the essential tasks that every student-athlete should aim to complete in September.
Register with the NCAA
As an aspiring college athlete, registering with the NCAA is a non-negotiable task. Start by creating a free profile on the NCAA website, especially if you’re still unsure about your division or college choices. If you’re leaning towards playing D3, then the free profile will suffice. However, if you’re attracting attention from D1 and D2 coaches, it’s best to consider signing up for an NCAA Certification Account. The certification account ensures that you meet the NCAA’s eligibility requirements and allows you to communicate with college coaches.
Refine Your List of Target Schools
By now, you should have a list of colleges where you’re interested in playing sports. It’s time to refine that list and narrow down your choices. Aim for around 30-40 schools, including safety, target, and dream schools. If you’re unsure about how to refine your list further, reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the process. Once you’ve created a final list, contact the coaches at each school, introduce yourself, and share your interest in their program.
Keep Your Online Athletic Resume Updated
Your athletic resume is your ticket to attracting the college coaches’ attention. Make sure it’s up to date and contains accurate information about your academic and athletic achievements. You can use recruiting notebook software to help you keep track of your progress and accomplishments. Update your athletic resume regularly and ensure you stay ahead of the competition.
Continue to Communicate with College Coaches
Now that you have created and refined your list of target colleges, it’s time to reach out to the coaches and start building relationships. Your first step to communicate their interest in their program. If you’re not confident about how to approach the coach, reach out to us for guidance. We’ll help you create a personalized communication strategy that will set you apart from other recruits.
Conclusion:
As an incoming junior, you have a lot on your plate. But by focusing on the essential tasks, you will ensure that you’re ready for college recruitment. Register with the NCAA, refine your list of target schools, keep your online athletic resume updated, and continue to communicate with college coaches. Need help along the way? Reach out to us! The College Recruiting Playbook is here to help you navigate the college recruitment journey with confidence and success.