STEP 1 OF 9
Start with your athlete A good plan starts with what your child wants. Set aside 20 minutes together. Listen first, then agree on one small next step.
Your next moves Ask why they want to play after high school and what a good college experience looks like. Discuss location, majors, campus size and the family budget. Keep multiple levels of college sport on the table. STEP 2 OF 9
Get an honest starting point Your current coach can help you understand which programs may fit and what to improve. Treat this as a starting point that you can revisit.
Your next moves Ask your school or club coach about realistic college levels and program fit. Identify two specific skills or habits to develop. Agree on a date to review progress together. STEP 3 OF 9
Make academics part of the plan Meet with the school counselor early. College admission and athletic eligibility are separate requirements; confirm both for each school.
Your next moves Review courses, grades, graduation requirements and admissions timelines with the counselor. Choose the appropriate NCAA Eligibility Center account for your intended division and circumstances. For Division I or II, review NCAA-approved core courses with the counselor. Official guidance: NCAA Eligibility Center ↗
STEP 4 OF 9
Build a simple recruiting package Help your athlete make it easy for a coach to understand who they are. Accurate information and clear video matter more than fancy editing.
Your next moves Gather sport, position or event, graduation year, school, coach contact and relevant verified results. Prepare a short introduction, highlight or performance video where appropriate, and full competition footage if requested. Ask the coach which metrics, results, portfolio or video their sport actually needs. STEP 5 OF 9
Build a balanced school list Research academic, athletic and financial fit together. Include programs at different levels where your athlete would be happy to study and compete.
Your next moves Start with 10–15 schools across realistic athletic levels. Record the official athletics staff directory and the correct coach for the sport. Check majors, roster needs, admissions, total cost and aid with each institution. Division III and Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Official guidance: NCAA Division III guidance ↗ · Ivy League prospective athletes ↗
STEP 6 OF 9
Let your athlete lead outreach Parents can organize and proofread, while the athlete introduces themselves and builds the relationship. Write specific, personal messages to the appropriate coaches.
Your next moves Include name, graduation year, sport/position, school, a reason for interest, and relevant profile or video links. Keep a log of messages, responses and the next follow-up. Silence alone does not tell you whether a program is a fit. Check the current recruiting calendar for the sport and division before planning contact or visits; ask the college compliance office when unsure. Official guidance: Official NCAA recruiting calendars ↗
STEP 7 OF 9
Choose exposure with a purpose You do not need to attend every camp or showcase. Choose opportunities that fit the sport, your athlete’s readiness, the school list and your budget.
Your next moves Ask the current coach which competitions or events are useful for this sport and level. Confirm which college coaches will actually attend and what the athlete can learn. Compare fees, travel, schedule and alternatives before paying. No event guarantees recruitment. STEP 8 OF 9
Ask clear questions before deciding A college choice includes academics, finances, team culture and daily life. Let your athlete ask questions and compare answers in writing.
Your next moves Ask about roster opportunities, development, time commitments, academic support and the coaching approach. Clarify admissions steps, aid terms, total cost and renewal conditions directly with the school. Request written details and confirm what any offer or coach support means with admissions and financial aid. Official guidance: NCAA scholarships and financial aid ↗
STEP 9 OF 9
Pick this week’s three next steps Make the process manageable. Choose three actions, assign a person and a date, and check in briefly each week. Celebrate progress beyond coach responses.
Your next moves Choose one athlete action, one parent support action and one school or coach question. Set a short weekly check-in that leaves room for rest, school and enjoying the sport. Update the plan as goals and opportunities change.