Sports in college

[Anonymous]

Is your dc playing sport in college? How hard is it to do this and is there a process to follow while in high school? Assuming your child is good enough for states, but not a top athlete so not aiming for a big scholarship or top school. Would love to hear your experiences.

[Anonymous]

What sport OP? There are similarities across some sports but also differences.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the sport, and depends on division.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What sport OP? There are similarities across some sports but also differences.

water polo

[Anonymous]

The first step in most cases would be registering with the NCAA (if you’re considering D1 or 2) and reaching out to the coaches at schools you’re interested in. Include GPA and test scores in the subject line.

[Anonymous]

I recommend this book (dumb title, but great information). Following the steps in this book helped us find a great school where my child will start next fall and play their sport. https://rlopezcoaching.com/looking-for-a-full-ride/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recommend this book (dumb title, but great information). Following the steps in this book helped us find a great school where my child will start next fall and play their sport. https://rlopezcoaching.com/looking-for-a-full-ride/

Are there scholarships for D3 or just D1 and 2?

[Anonymous]

There's a big difference between D1 and D3.

My youngest got a lot of interest from D3 schools - track. So, not Duke basketball or Georgia football. That's completely different. But athletic scholarships regardless. Competed in States. Competed nationally at Nike. Solid athlete but not Olympic level at 17.

But DC wanted to go to particular D1 schools for the academics. Not too many people are making a living running the 400, 800, or 1500. He got into his school of choice that way. Smarts.

His high school times were very good. But not D1 level. But close. So he trained all summer. And when he got to his D1 college, he reached out to to the coach. Was invited to train with the athletes coming back from injuries. Trained extremely hard. And will be competing in the Spring.

So it is possible.

But D1 sports is hardcore. Dude trains really hard. It's not like D3. You're competing against the next Olympians at the D1 level.

It is doable. But you need to be kind of a single-minded idiot.

D3 is different. And there's always club sports.

[Anonymous]

PP who shared the Renee Lopez book link above. No athletic scholarships at D3 level. Not permitted. But many offer merit scholarships. My kid got the maximum merit scholarship at a T50 school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a big difference between D1 and D3.

My youngest got a lot of interest from D3 schools - track. So, not Duke basketball or Georgia football. That's completely different. But athletic scholarships regardless. Competed in States. Competed nationally at Nike. Solid athlete but not Olympic level at 17.

But DC wanted to go to particular D1 schools for the academics. Not too many people are making a living running the 400, 800, or 1500. He got into his school of choice that way. Smarts.

His high school times were very good. But not D1 level. But close. So he trained all summer. And when he got to his D1 college, he reached out to to the coach. Was invited to train with the athletes coming back from injuries. Trained extremely hard. And will be competing in the Spring.

So it is possible.

But D1 sports is hardcore. Dude trains really hard. It's not like D3. You're competing against the next Olympians at the D1 level.

It is doable. But you need to be kind of a single-minded idiot.

D3 is different. And there's always club sports.

Yes, I think it would be D3 or club. Honestly he just wants to keep playing! Did you register with NCAA? I am reading it's only necessary for D1 and D2? How about NCSA? How did your dc get interest from colleges? Did he/they reach out? I am a little confused about the process.

[JennKidd]

I posted this on another thread in case someone already read it but I felt it was relevant here too..

As a mom of four boys in elementary and middle school, I haven't had to think about the college recruitment process. Over the last few months, I've had numerous calls from parents looking for someone to build a sports portfolio website for their student-athletes. I did my research, and WOW! Just the thought of it seems stressful. Depending on the sport, there are a ton of showcase platforms; Hudl, Sports Recruit, etc. The parents I worked with said having a website was easier to manage and control. The kid sends the website to potential coaches and tells them they can get on to look at any new highlights, STATS, and direct contact info. They also wanted to add community service as a way to stand out. Another kid had an endorsement deal (with the new NIL policy), so they wanted a website he could use to upload his prices and blog content. I feel like this could become the new norm for sports and college admissions in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a big difference between D1 and D3.

My youngest got a lot of interest from D3 schools - track. So, not Duke basketball or Georgia football. That's completely different. But athletic scholarships regardless. Competed in States. Competed nationally at Nike. Solid athlete but not Olympic level at 17.

But DC wanted to go to particular D1 schools for the academics. Not too many people are making a living running the 400, 800, or 1500. He got into his school of choice that way. Smarts.

His high school times were very good. But not D1 level. But close. So he trained all summer. And when he got to his D1 college, he reached out to to the coach. Was invited to train with the athletes coming back from injuries. Trained extremely hard. And will be competing in the Spring.

So it is possible.

But D1 sports is hardcore. Dude trains really hard. It's not like D3. You're competing against the next Olympians at the D1 level.

It is doable. But you need to be kind of a single-minded idiot.

D3 is different. And there's always club sports.

Yes, I think it would be D3 or club. Honestly he just wants to keep playing! Did you register with NCAA? I am reading it's only necessary for D1 and D2? How about NCSA? How did your dc get interest from colleges? Did he/they reach out? I am a little confused about the process.

1.) Register with the NCAA. I think it's free for D3, with a fee for D1 and D2.

2.) NO to the NCSA. It's just a marketing ploy. You can do the work on your own.

3.) Yes, get the Renee Lopez book and join her Facebook group.

4.) Water polo is kind of a niche sport, so I can't help you there. I would talk to other water polo parents to get some ideas of what D3 schools have a decent program.

5.) Correct, no athletic scholarships for D3, but I suspect the athletic merit scholarships "bump up" a bit for athletes who a college really wants.