Destyni
How do you go about getting an athletic scholarship?
I play sports and we have only had 1 community college scout come to our games. I am going to a university, but do not know if I should reach out to the coach, the athletic director, or who. #basketballscholarship #trackscholarship #athleticscholarship
3 answers
Shannon N
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Destyni, great question! I played several sports in college and ended up getting an athletic scholarship to run track and cross country in college. If you are a junior in high school, I would recommend making a list of colleges that you are interested in. If you have a favorite, consider attending their summer camp (most schools have one) to get an opportunity to talk to the coach. My recommendation would be to reach out to the head coach & assistance coach (or the coach for your event in track) directly. When you send a note to them it would be good to include a few highlights about your stats. For example, for track it would be helpful for the coach to know your personal best times, your best performances at conference, sectional, and state. If you are looking at out of state schools, consider giving more clarity regarding your background, as they likely will not know how competitive your conference/region is. Further, when reaching out to the coaches, I recommend discussing why you are interested in the school and athletic program and wait until you hear back from them to discuss the possibility of a scholarship. I hope this helps and good luck with your season and your college search.
Just to add on .. Destyni you can have your current coach who is your sponsor reach out to the coach of the college; A voice for you
Kevin Dixon
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Paul’s Answer
The athletes at these institutions receive financial aid through need-based grants, merit-based scholarships (for academics and other achievements), and federal aid like Pell Grants, or full or partial scholarships that are funded through the schools.
To maximize their financial aid, student-athletes should apply for aid using forms like the FAFSA, focus on strong academics and extracurriculars to qualify for merit aid, and research each institution's specific financial policies and find the most advantageous and generous financial aid packages. I worked with several athletes, who were interested in attending NCAA and NAIA schools, and the coaches, at these colleges, and athletic staff were very helpful in coming up with helpful solutions to this issue, and assisted the athletes in finding the financial aid that they qualified for.
To help assist the staff (and yourself), I would create something called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to the coaches of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and is much like a Job Resume and Cover Letter. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, but with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying out for the college or university sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various college and university coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about athletics and academic and financial aid possibilities on their campus.
College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
