How do you get into collegiate athletics?

Redline Athletics Longmont softball and sports performance coach, Amanda Rock, answers the college sports question from athletes and parents often. “College could be in the distant or near future for some athletes, but it does not hurt to have goals and dream schools in mind,” she says.

Rock says the import point to keep top of mind is being aware of when an athlete is able to start the recruiting process. “Parents need to understand what the process is all about, and how to successfully accomplish each step of the process.” Recruiting can happen in a couple different ways including face-to-face contact, phone calls, text messages, social media, and emails. The actual 'contact' with a college sports program is directed by NCAA rules and varies depending upon the division and sport. The NCAA website has important info on the recruiting calendars, as well.

The rules are in place to level the playing field among athletics programs, and also to protect the well-being of the student-athlete. For example, in general, a college program cannot contact a promising recruit before July 1 following the athlete's high school junior year. After that key days, 'contact periods' determine when get calls, typically once or twice a week. “It's not just the coach, says Rock, “its the entire program or even the institution. They don't want to disrupt the 'student' part of being a student-athlete.”

Division I and II programs can offer sports scholarships – or not – but playing in Division III doesn't eliminate the possibility of scholarship. D-III can't offer an athletic 'ride.' D-III schools offer scholarships based on academic accomplishments and do consider athletic achievements when deciding to offer grants, financial aid packages, and academic scholarships.

She says different coaches and programs all have a different feel to them, depending on the size of the school and the competitiveness of the league in which they play. D-III sports, for example, can be as intense as a major programs depending on the visibility of the program. “If you aspire to compete at the collegiate level, it is beneficial to start early. Take the stress off early and start searching for the perfect fit for you,” is what Rock stresses.