Can you still get recruited after high school?

Publish date: 2024-06-15

Finding the right college can be a daunting task for high school graduates. For some, sports are the top priority. While most college athletes are recruited during their high school years, it is still possible to get recruited after graduation. 

The recruiting process for college sports varies depending on the sport and level of competition. It usually begins early in an athlete's high school career. For most sports, coaches start scouting high school players during their sophomore or junior years, with offers being made during the senior year. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it is possible to get recruited after high school.

One of the first steps in the recruiting process is to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This is a requirement for all student-athletes who plan to participate in college sports. Registration can be completed online, and a fee is required. Once registered, athletes must demonstrate academic eligibility and proceed with the recruiting process to request interest from coaches and schools. 

Nearly $3.6 billion in athletic scholarships are distributed annually, allowing roughly half of Division I/Division II players to enjoy greatly reduced tuition fees. For this reason, many athletes aspire to play for NCAA Division I or Division II schools. However, it is important to note that NCAA recruiting rules dictate when and how coaches can communicate with potential recruits. 

For those who want to get recruited after high school, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to stay in shape and continue training. This can be done by participating in local recreational leagues or by joining a club team. Athletes can also use videos and competitive standings to demonstrate their athletic ability to college coaches.

It is also important to keep an open mind when considering which schools to approach. While NCAA Division I and Division II schools may be the most desirable, there are other options. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) also have excellent sports programs that may be a good fit for student-athletes.

Another option for student-athletes is to walk on to a team. This means that the athlete is not offered an athletic scholarship but is allowed to participate on the team. While this may not be the ideal situation, it is a way to continue playing sports at the collegiate level.

Committing to a college as a high school freshman may seem like a good idea, but it comes with significant drawbacks. For one, options are limited for freshmen, as many coaches prefer to recruit older, more experienced players. Additionally, committing as a freshman puts a lot of pressure on the athlete to continue playing and can limit their opportunities to explore other options.

It is also important to understand NCAA recruiting rules and the potential consequences of improper benefits. Improper benefits, such as receiving money or gifts from a coach or booster, can result in serious consequences, including loss of eligibility and penalties for the school.

In conclusion, while most college athletes are recruited during their high school years, it is still possible to get recruited after graduation. Athletes who aspire to play college sports should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and continue training and competing to demonstrate their athletic ability. It is important to keep an open mind when considering which schools to approach and to understand NCAA recruiting rules and the potential consequences of improper benefits. Committing as a high school freshman comes with significant drawbacks and should be carefully considered before making a decision.

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