8 Secrets to Landing an Athletic Scholarship
Every athletes dream is to receive a college scholarship and play a Division I sport, but how you going to achieve this dream? In this article, I am going to share the secrets I believe will get you to the next level.
1.
Write down 3-5 schools that you would like to attend.
You can even give them resources like the coaches association so they can target the schools, coaches contact info, etc.
Try to do a self evaluation and see where you would fit in best.
Be honest with yourself and pick schools that would go along with your skill level.
2.
Be proactive in contacting the coaches, letting them know you are interested in attending their college, and specifically play for an athletic team.
Don't just send them a letter and hope to see scouts at your games.
Try to get to know them and be in good standing.
3.
College coaches are in season too, so they don't get out as much as they like to scout potential players.
And if they do, you're not always going to have your best game, so make sure you record video of either you playing in a game (send them a 5-10 minute highlight clip max.
), or practicing (again, 5 - 10 minutes max), and write them a personal note highlighting your talents, and what you can bring to the table to help their team become better.
4.
FOLLOW UP! I can't stress this enough.
I had many offers, but the reason I attended UAB is because a scholarship opened up in the late summer, 2 months prior to the school year starting.
You never know when a scholarship will open up, so be proactive and be professional and cordial.
5.
After sending them a recruiting video, ask them to view and also if they coach would be interested in attending one of your games, or, for them to come to you, or you to them, for a private workout.
Doing this will separate you from any competition and someone trying to take your scholarship.
Try to get in a good relationship with each of the coaches you meet and be in good standing.
6.
You never know who's watching you...
when I was drafted to play professional baseball, I had no idea that the team I played for ever even scouted me.
About 10-15 other teams all said they were going to draft me, or possibly draft me.
Advice - always give 100% because you never know who is at your games.
7.
Always focus on the 'little things' that will make you better.
That is what separates most players from either getting drafted/a scholarship, and not.
Always hustle.
You can be the worst athlete in the world but you can always hustle.
8.
Go to local college camps and local showcases designed to provide some exposure.
Also, there are always local professional tryouts...
these can be great exposure for you, because you can get an honest opinion of your ability, and maybe even a recommendation or testimonial from a scout that you can use in contacting college coaches.
1.
Write down 3-5 schools that you would like to attend.
You can even give them resources like the coaches association so they can target the schools, coaches contact info, etc.
Try to do a self evaluation and see where you would fit in best.
Be honest with yourself and pick schools that would go along with your skill level.
2.
Be proactive in contacting the coaches, letting them know you are interested in attending their college, and specifically play for an athletic team.
Don't just send them a letter and hope to see scouts at your games.
Try to get to know them and be in good standing.
3.
College coaches are in season too, so they don't get out as much as they like to scout potential players.
And if they do, you're not always going to have your best game, so make sure you record video of either you playing in a game (send them a 5-10 minute highlight clip max.
), or practicing (again, 5 - 10 minutes max), and write them a personal note highlighting your talents, and what you can bring to the table to help their team become better.
4.
FOLLOW UP! I can't stress this enough.
I had many offers, but the reason I attended UAB is because a scholarship opened up in the late summer, 2 months prior to the school year starting.
You never know when a scholarship will open up, so be proactive and be professional and cordial.
5.
After sending them a recruiting video, ask them to view and also if they coach would be interested in attending one of your games, or, for them to come to you, or you to them, for a private workout.
Doing this will separate you from any competition and someone trying to take your scholarship.
Try to get in a good relationship with each of the coaches you meet and be in good standing.
6.
You never know who's watching you...
when I was drafted to play professional baseball, I had no idea that the team I played for ever even scouted me.
About 10-15 other teams all said they were going to draft me, or possibly draft me.
Advice - always give 100% because you never know who is at your games.
7.
Always focus on the 'little things' that will make you better.
That is what separates most players from either getting drafted/a scholarship, and not.
Always hustle.
You can be the worst athlete in the world but you can always hustle.
8.
Go to local college camps and local showcases designed to provide some exposure.
Also, there are always local professional tryouts...
these can be great exposure for you, because you can get an honest opinion of your ability, and maybe even a recommendation or testimonial from a scout that you can use in contacting college coaches.
Source...