10 Tips for Navigating College Athletic Recruiting

The college athletic recruiting process can feel both exciting and overwhelming for student-athletes and their families. Between highlight videos, campus visits, eligibility rules, and constant communication, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Recruiting is not just about earning an offer; it’s about finding the right academic, athletic, and personal fit. With balance, authenticity, proactivity, initiative, and patience guiding the way, families can navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning the journey or already deep in the process, these ten tips will help you navigate each step thoughtfully and with perspective.

The Recruitment Timeline

The recruiting journey can be viewed in three distinct stages: before, during, and after. Each phase brings its own priorities, decisions, and opportunities for growth. The “before” stage is about building a strong foundation–academically, athletically, and personally–while preparing thoughtfully for what lies ahead.

The “during” stage is the most active part of the process, where communication, exposure, research, and evaluation come into focus. Finally, the “after” stage is centered on decision-making, transition, and adaptability as student-athletes prepare for the next chapter.

Understanding where you are in the timeline helps bring clarity and purpose to each step, allowing families to approach the process with confidence rather than uncertainty.

BEFORE

1. Prioritize Academics

Your transcript is your foundation. College coaches evaluate recruits holistically and athletic talent alone isn’t enough. Strong grades, class rigour, and in some cases, test scores keep doors open at certain programs to ensure that you’re academically eligible.

2. Keep Your Options Open and Cast a Broad Net

Avoid fixating on a handful of “dream schools”. Research programs across different divisions, consider program philosophy, coaching style, and academic fit. A school that’s perfect athletically might not align with your academic goals or personal values. Ensuring that you like the school for factors other than just the athletic component is a must. The broader your initial list, the more opportunities you’ll have.

3. Leverage Your Support System

Your high school coach, club coach, athletic department, and college office are invaluable resources. Coaches understand your abilities, can provide honest feedback, and often have connections with college coaches.

DURING

4. Do your Research and Attend Competitions where you are Guaranteed Exposure to College Coaches

Identify showcases, tournaments, and events where college coaches actively recruit. Attending every event isn’t necessary or affordable; be strategic. Research which coaches attend specific competitions, understand their recruiting timelines, and prioritize events that align with your target schools.

5. Take Initiative in Communication

Don’t wait for coaches to find you. Create a recruiting profile (video highlights, stats, academic info), and reach out to programs that genuinely interest you. Personalize your outreach–do your homework on the program and explain why you’re a good fit.

6. Understand the Recruiting Timeline and Rules

Each NCAA division and sport has different recruiting rules, dead periods, and contact windows. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines, so you know when coaches can contact you and what’s allowed.

7. Evaluate Programs from a Holistic View

Look beyond rankings and prestige. Consider coaching stability, team culture, playing time opportunities, academic support, and whether the program’s values align with yours. Visit campuses when possible, talk to current players, and ask the questions that you want to know.

AFTER

8. Make a Thoughtful Decision

Once you have your offers, take time to reflect. Compare not just athletic opportunities but academic programs, cost of attendance, and overall fit. This decision affects the next 4+ years of your life.

9. Prepare for the Transition

Stay in touch with your coaching staff about expectations moving forward. Continue to put your best foot forward in the classroom; your final transcript will be sent to your school after you’ve already been accepted, and you don’t want to give them a reason to revoke their decision. Understand that college athletics are going to be a lot more demanding–physically and mentally–continue to take care of yourself and prioritize your wellbeing.

10. Stay Flexible and Adapt

Recruiting doesn’t always go as planned. Injuries, coaching changes, or shifting priorities happen. If your original path changes for whatever reason, remember that there are multiple ways to achieve your goals. Whether that’s walking on, transferring, or pursuing athletics at a different level.

In the end, the recruiting process is about far more than finding a place to compete; it’s about finding a place to grow. The right college environment should challenge you academically, support you athletically, and help you develop as a person. 

Every student-athlete’s path looks different. Trust the work you’ve put in, lean on the people supporting you, and remember that setbacks or detours do not define your future. With preparation, perspective, and patience, the recruiting process can become an opportunity not only to pursue your athletic goals, but also to discover the community where you will thrive for years to come.

About the Author

Morgan Sisson '19
Assistant Director of College Counseling

Morgan Sisson joined Holderness in 2023. She coaches varsity field hockey, JV girls hockey, and varsity softball.

Morgan graduated from Holderness in 2019 and went on to earn her B.S. in Exercise Science from Endicott College.