So You Want to Play Sports in College; Here's how.
by Daniel Z. Kane
If you've always dreamed about competing in college athletics, your dream may be within reach. But, you need more than athletic talent...you need to know how to "connect" with appropriate colleges.
First, be sure you "get real". Most high school student-athletes don't have the talent to play basketball in the ACC or football in the Big Ten. And, most coaches in those leagues already know which high school players they want to recruit. So, instead of spinning your wheels contacting the universities which are on TV every week, have a frank conversation with your coach and other well-informed folks and compile a list of colleges whose coaches might want to pursue you. Then, ask your counselor which of the listed colleges makes sense from his or her perspective, and if there are others you should add to your list.
Whatever you do, don't weigh athletics too heavily. Academics should always come first...always. Size, location, campus environment, special programs, and other factors should be considered as well. Try to find the "ideal" college for you, not just a place where you can compete in athletics.
Don't rule out colleges simply because you have not heard much about them. Mount Union, Kentucky Wesleyan, and Kenyon are three colleges you may not have heard of, but all have distinguished themselves in athletics. There are dozens more like them in every sport you can name.
Don't forget that athletic scholarships are not the only way for you to get financial help...there are many other forms of aid. And, remember that there are some terrific NCAA Division II and Division III teams, as well as some fine NAIA and junior college programs you may wish to look at.
Never lose sight of the fact that the goal of leaving college with a good education should come before your athletic aspirations. Unfortunately, there are coaches out there, at all levels, who are more interested in winning games than educating student-athletes. If you suspect that you've encountered one, run, don't walk, in the opposite direction.
Be sure you learn the rules governing athletic recruiting. And, be certain you and the college coaches with whom you come into contact adhere to them strictly. Go to your high school coach if you have questions or concerns.
Don't just reach out to coaches...get information from admissions offices as well. Admissions counselors are allowed to contact and speak with you at any time; coaches have restrictions. And, admissions counselors will often provide you with college publications and information you might not get from coaches.
Don't make the mistake of ruling out colleges in your initial research because of their listed costs. Frequently, students out-of-pocket costs are far lower.
Coaches receive lots of inquiries, so you may not receive an immediate reply to your letter or email. Thus, don't be too impatient. However, if you've not heard from a coach you contacted within a month, try again. Be aware that some coaches will not be interested in you and may therefore never respond.
And, be aware that even the coaches that do respond to you with letters, brochures and emails may not have a serious interest in you or may want to seriously recruit you only if the athletes in whom they are most interested decide to go elsewhere. That being the case, continue to communicate with all coaches who appear to be interested in you until you have and accept a firm offer from a college. It's the best way to protect yourself against disappointment.
After you do commit to a college or university, be sure you contact and sincerely express your gratitude to the coaches who have been communicating with you. It's the right thing to do, and it might help a coach remember you if you later decide to transfer from the first college you attend.
Daniel Z. Kane, now a university dean, has also coached in two sports. You can find lots of helpful information on his websites about athletic scholarships , and online colleges . Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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