Recruiting
College Recruiting Guide for Prospective College Student-Athletes
This serves as a resource for student-athletes and families navigating the college athletic recruiting and admissions process. It reflects current NCAA rules and best practices as of 2026. Recruiting rules vary by sport and division; families should always confirm details with college coaches or official NCAA resources.
OVERVIEW
This guide is a collaboration between the College Counseling and Athletic Departments. Each spring, the school hosts a Prospective College Athlete Night featuring college coaches who explain recruiting processes, expectations, and timelines. Additional information will be released each winter.
9TH GRADE YEAR
• Focus on strong academic performance and building a solid transcript.
• Begin learning about differences between colleges (academics, athletics, location, size, public/private, campus culture).
• Develop sport-specific skills and commit to team participation.
• Observe and learn from team leaders.
• Understand how your sport functions outside the high school season (club teams, AAU, showcases, camps).
10TH GRADE YEAR
• Continue strong academic performance.
• Begin building a list of schools that fit your academic, athletic, and social preferences.
• Create an athletic resume or player profile.
• You may email college coaches at any time, but coaches may not be allowed to respond yet due to NCAA rules.
• Take the PSAT.
• Consider attending summer camps or clinics at schools of interest.
IMPORTANT NCAA NOTE:
In most Division I sports, college coaches may begin direct recruiting communication on June 15 after a student’s sophomore year. Prior to that date, coaches are limited in how they may respond.
11TH GRADE YEAR
• Maintain strong academic performance.
• Participate in ACT/SAT preparation as recommended.
• Take the ACT and/or SAT and share scores with college coaches when permitted.
• Begin direct communication with college coaches after June 15 (post-sophomore year, sport-dependent).
• Discuss athletic fit, roster needs, and scholarship expectations.
• Take unofficial visits when appropriate.
• Continue attending camps, showcases, and tournaments.
SUMMER BEFORE 12TH GRADE
• Narrow your list to schools that align with long-term academic and athletic goals.
• Communicate regularly with college coaches.
• Ask coaches what they expect during your senior year (training, academics, leadership).
12TH GRADE YEAR
• Continue strong academic performance; retake ACT/SAT if needed.
• Take official visits (unlimited number, one per school).
• Take unlimited unofficial visits.
• Discuss scholarship availability, roster role, and development plans.
• Speak with current and former athletes at schools of interest.
• Make an informed commitment.
NCAA RECRUITING DEFINITIONS
Contact:
A face-to-face interaction between a college coach and a student-athlete or their family beyond a greeting.
Contact Period:
College coaches may have in-person contact, evaluate athletes, and communicate by phone, text, or email.
Dead Period:
No in-person contact or evaluations are permitted. Coaches may still evaluate athletes through video or third-party events and communicate by phone or email when allowed.
Quiet Period:
In-person contact is permitted only on the coach’s campus. Coaches may not evaluate off campus.
Official Visit:
A visit paid for by the college, including transportation, lodging, meals, and limited entertainment. Unlimited official visits are allowed, one per school.
Unofficial Visit:
A visit paid for by the student-athlete or family. Unlimited unofficial visits are allowed. Coaches may provide limited benefits per NCAA rules.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Full-Ride (Head Count) Sports – Division I only:
• Men’s Football (FBS)
• Men’s and Women’s Basketball
• Women’s Volleyball
• Women’s Gymnastics
• Women’s Tennis (institution-dependent)
Partial (Equivalency) Sports:
• All other NCAA Division I and II sports
• NAIA and NJCAA sports
• Football at FCS institutions
Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
Student-athletes planning to compete at NCAA Division I or II institutions must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. The Eligibility Center certifies:
• Academic eligibility
• Standardized test scores
• Amateur status
Recommended Registration Timing:
Beginning of junior year (or earlier). Athletes must be certified before receiving athletic aid or competing at the Division I or II level.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Recruiting rules vary by sport and division.
• The transfer portal and NIL opportunities have changed recruiting dynamics.
• Academic fit and long-term development should remain the priority.
For the most current rules, visit ncaa.org.
Edited 2/9/2026