3 answers
Hunter
Student
Montville, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get an athletic scholarship
How do I grab the attention of scouts
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would encourage you to create an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter.
Not all coaches may be aware of your skills, abilities and academic credentials, so you will need to go to them, so they will.know what you can do for their team and college.
The Athletic Resume and Cover letter is like a job resume, except you are highlighting your athletic skills, abilities, academics, positions played, awards, and other elements for this subject.
There are many examples of Athletic Resume's and Cover Letter's found on the internet, which you can use as a guide.
Once you complete them, get the name of the coach and his university address, and send your resume and cover letter directly to him through the postage mail. He gets thousands of emails, so you want your letter to land directly on his desk.
I have had a great amount of success with my student athlete advisee's, utilizing this technique of resume and cover letter.
Not all coaches may be aware of your skills, abilities and academic credentials, so you will need to go to them, so they will.know what you can do for their team and college.
The Athletic Resume and Cover letter is like a job resume, except you are highlighting your athletic skills, abilities, academics, positions played, awards, and other elements for this subject.
There are many examples of Athletic Resume's and Cover Letter's found on the internet, which you can use as a guide.
Once you complete them, get the name of the coach and his university address, and send your resume and cover letter directly to him through the postage mail. He gets thousands of emails, so you want your letter to land directly on his desk.
I have had a great amount of success with my student athlete advisee's, utilizing this technique of resume and cover letter.
Cedric Suitt, MBA
Senior Business Manager
6
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cedric’s Answer
No matter what sport you're into, the first move is to hone your skills. This isn't just about practicing during team sessions. It's about committing a significant portion of your free time to your sport, depending on the outcomes you're aiming for.
Typically, teams train for about 2-3 hours daily during the week, and this is usually only during the season. You should aim to add at least an extra 1-2 hours a day for personal training in addition to team practice. This is your chance to improve. Since not everyone does this, you'll notice a significant improvement in your performance compared to your peers over a year.
Furthermore, try to compete with players who are 2-3 years older than you. This strategy will accelerate your development as these players are generally more experienced, have been playing for a longer period, and are typically more physically mature. Over time, you'll notice a marked improvement when you compete with players your own age.
Consider trying out for your local travel team. This is your opportunity to gain regional and national recognition. Once you demonstrate your skills at tournaments in your area and nationwide, coaches will start visiting you or your school to watch you play.
This approach worked for me and earned me a full Division 1 scholarship. I maintained the same level of dedication when I got to college and eventually went on to play professionally.
Typically, teams train for about 2-3 hours daily during the week, and this is usually only during the season. You should aim to add at least an extra 1-2 hours a day for personal training in addition to team practice. This is your chance to improve. Since not everyone does this, you'll notice a significant improvement in your performance compared to your peers over a year.
Furthermore, try to compete with players who are 2-3 years older than you. This strategy will accelerate your development as these players are generally more experienced, have been playing for a longer period, and are typically more physically mature. Over time, you'll notice a marked improvement when you compete with players your own age.
Consider trying out for your local travel team. This is your opportunity to gain regional and national recognition. Once you demonstrate your skills at tournaments in your area and nationwide, coaches will start visiting you or your school to watch you play.
This approach worked for me and earned me a full Division 1 scholarship. I maintained the same level of dedication when I got to college and eventually went on to play professionally.
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Obtaining an athletic scholarship can be competitive, but there are several steps you can take to improve your chances:
Excel in Your Sport: This is the most important factor. You need to be a standout athlete in your chosen sport. Focus on improving your skills, performance, and statistics.
Maintain Academic Excellence: While athletic prowess is crucial, colleges also value academics. Maintain a strong GPA and standardized test scores. Many athletic scholarships require a minimum academic standard.
Research Potential Schools: Identify schools that have strong athletic programs in your sport and align with your academic and personal preferences.
Create an Athletic Resume: Compile a detailed athletic resume that highlights your achievements, awards, statistics, and any records you've set.
Participate in Showcases and Tournaments: Attend relevant showcases, tournaments, and competitions where college coaches might be scouting talent. This is a chance to showcase your skills.
Contact College Coaches: Reach out to coaches at schools you're interested in. Express your interest, provide your athletic resume, and share your upcoming competition schedule.
Create a Highlight Video: Put together a high-quality highlight video showcasing your skills and performance in games or events. Make sure it's concise and well-edited.
Stay Active on Social Media: Coaches might check your social media presence, so keep it professional. Highlight your achievements and dedication to your sport.
Attend College Camps: Many colleges host athletic camps or clinics. Attending these can give you direct exposure to coaches and a chance to demonstrate your skills.
Seek Letters of Recommendation: Ask coaches, trainers, and teachers who know you well to write letters of recommendation that highlight your character, work ethic, and skills.
Stay Persistent: The process can take time. Don't get discouraged by setbacks, and continue to improve and showcase your abilities.
Explore Various Schools: While aiming for Division I scholarships is common, also consider Division II, III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and junior colleges, as they also offer athletic scholarships.
Understand NCAA Rules: If you're looking to play in an NCAA-sponsored sport, make sure you understand the rules and eligibility requirements set by the NCAA.
Be Proactive: Take charge of your scholarship search. Research deadlines, requirements, and application procedures for each school you're interested in.
Be Genuine: When communicating with coaches, be honest about your abilities and goals. Coaches appreciate authenticity.
Remember that athletic scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Even if you don't secure a scholarship, participating in college sports at any level can provide valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Excel in Your Sport: This is the most important factor. You need to be a standout athlete in your chosen sport. Focus on improving your skills, performance, and statistics.
Maintain Academic Excellence: While athletic prowess is crucial, colleges also value academics. Maintain a strong GPA and standardized test scores. Many athletic scholarships require a minimum academic standard.
Research Potential Schools: Identify schools that have strong athletic programs in your sport and align with your academic and personal preferences.
Create an Athletic Resume: Compile a detailed athletic resume that highlights your achievements, awards, statistics, and any records you've set.
Participate in Showcases and Tournaments: Attend relevant showcases, tournaments, and competitions where college coaches might be scouting talent. This is a chance to showcase your skills.
Contact College Coaches: Reach out to coaches at schools you're interested in. Express your interest, provide your athletic resume, and share your upcoming competition schedule.
Create a Highlight Video: Put together a high-quality highlight video showcasing your skills and performance in games or events. Make sure it's concise and well-edited.
Stay Active on Social Media: Coaches might check your social media presence, so keep it professional. Highlight your achievements and dedication to your sport.
Attend College Camps: Many colleges host athletic camps or clinics. Attending these can give you direct exposure to coaches and a chance to demonstrate your skills.
Seek Letters of Recommendation: Ask coaches, trainers, and teachers who know you well to write letters of recommendation that highlight your character, work ethic, and skills.
Stay Persistent: The process can take time. Don't get discouraged by setbacks, and continue to improve and showcase your abilities.
Explore Various Schools: While aiming for Division I scholarships is common, also consider Division II, III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and junior colleges, as they also offer athletic scholarships.
Understand NCAA Rules: If you're looking to play in an NCAA-sponsored sport, make sure you understand the rules and eligibility requirements set by the NCAA.
Be Proactive: Take charge of your scholarship search. Research deadlines, requirements, and application procedures for each school you're interested in.
Be Genuine: When communicating with coaches, be honest about your abilities and goals. Coaches appreciate authenticity.
Remember that athletic scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Even if you don't secure a scholarship, participating in college sports at any level can provide valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth.