By LAURA MITCHELL Special to the Daily Press
High School athletes across America often dream of making a team, playing for a national championship, playing in front of thousands of fans, and even going pro.
While most student-athletes will not reach that pinnacle, thousands of student-athletes do have life-altering experiences as athletes at America’s colleges and universities. Some play on scholarship, while some walk on -- or attend non-athletic scholarship programs.
Nearly any solid varsity athlete can find a place to play their sport in college. Let me repeat that -- almost every student athlete can find a place to play their sport!
Some NCAA colleges even have bowling and water skiing, so basketball and football don’t have to be your thing. Student-athletes may not be qualified to play at their dream school, but their dream school may be the college that is the right fit.
If you’re in high school, here are some things that you can do now to better your chances of playing a sport in college: SENIORS It’s not too late! Choose a few colleges that are places you can play. Call the coach and let him or her know you are interested. NCAA Division III and NAIA smaller colleges do much of their recruiting via the Internet, word of mouth and by fielding incoming phone calls from student-athletes who have a passion to play their sport at the next level.
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES Now is the time of year for you to begin researching the many possibilities to play in one of the many colleges and universities across America. Remember, being a student-athlete can get your application preferential treatment at some of the nation’s most prestigious schools.
Keep planning out your off-season to improve your skills. This means attending college camps, taking private lessons, and playing on a club or travel program.
REVERSE RECRUITING Student-athletes should be sending out letters to college coaches — or as I like to call it “reverse recruiting,” ideally, by the end of sophomore year. If you think you might be in that top percent of superstar athletes known as a “blue chip,” send your stuff out sooner.
For example, you can send a letter to the coach and request to be on a summer camp information list. If an eighth-grader has a dream to go to Duke, one great way — perhaps the best way — to start on the path to that dream would be to attend Duke’s summer camp. Each year, many athletes exceed their scholarship expectations because they have shown a special dedication to a program over time or endeared themselves to a coaching staff at a school of their choice.
WHAT TO SEND A short e-mail or letter with your grade point average, year of graduation and basic statistical information is the way to get in the door. Including an unofficial transcript is a plus. Be yourself and let your personality shine through in the letter. Follow up with a phone call seven to 14 days later. Student-athletes can always call a coach — it is not a recruiting violation when you call them. Remember, they may not return your call, because depending on what year you are, it could be a violation of NCAA rules. But they may send you a form letter and athlete profile sheet for you to fill out, letting you know that they cannot officially recruit you. Give that letter to your high school or club coach. Ask him or her to make a call to determine possible interest that schools have in you.
It is OK to reach for a school just out of your range — as long as you are a determined student-athlete willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to getting better, and as long as you have a couple of Plan B or backup schools lined up.
Be persistent! Stay positive. It only takes one “yes,” no matter how many “nos.” One yes from a college coach is what you need to reach that dream of being a college athlete.
WHAT IS THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE?
All seniors who have any chance of playing NCAA Division II or Division I athletics (even as a walk-on) must be registered for the NCAA Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse registration is not required for Division III or NAIA or junior college athletes.
Go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net to register. It costs about $50. Waivers are available if you qualify. Ask your counselor.
The NCAA Clearinghouse is the best Web site to use to keep track of the changes the NCAA makes for academic eligibility.
Laura Mitchell is CEO of Sports Dreammakers and also head coach for the Malibu High School Girls Varsity and JV basketball teams.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 19, 2006. Read the original PDF.