PASSIONATE. FORWARD-THINKING. PLAYER FOCUSED
RECRUITING TIMELINE
Here are several suggestions, by school year, that will insure your eligibility and enhance your ability to be recruited for collegiate baseball. Remember, the eligibility standards for recruitment are different between Divisions I, II, and III.
Do not make the mistake of focusing only on the biggest and most prominent schools. It is very easy to get caught up in the glamour of NCAA Division I athletics at the expense of a wider range of opportunities and playing time on a Division II or III level. You must make and accept an honest appraisal of your skills and ability.
1. Begin now committing yourself to the best grades that you can achieve.
2. Remember! The NCAA does not recognize a (+) or (–) for your grades. Work for the next higher grade.
3. As an incoming freshman, make sure you have reviewed your schedule with your counselor.
4. Meet with your counselor to insure that you are enrolled in the proper classes for NCAA eligibility in your sophomore year.
5. Make sure that your counselor knows that you hope to pursue collegiate athletics.
6. Develop a sports resume of accomplishments.
7. Attend a variety of sport camps.
8. Participate in a variety of sports the year around.
FRESHMEN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
1. Meet with your counselor to insure that you are enrolled in the proper classes for NCAA eligibility in your junior year.
2. Take the PSAT in the fall when it is first offered.
3. Make sure that your High School Coach is aware of your desire to participate in collegiate sports.
4. Continue to develop an athletic resume.
5. Continue to attend sport camps and participate in a variety of sports.
6. Begin a college and career search in the guidance office.
7. Begin to decide which part of the country you would realistically wish to attend school.
8. Determine what your financial needs will be and what will be best financially for your family.
9. Keep your focus on all appropriate schools on NCAA Division I, II and III levels as well as NAIA and Junior Colleges.
JUNIOR YEAR
1. You must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the completionof your junior year. These forms are available on line ( www.ncaaclearinghouse.net ) or from your counselor. The recruiting process will absolutely stop until this has been completed.
2. Continue to meet with your counselor to insure that you are enrolled in the proper courses for NCAA eligibility in your senior year.
3. Continue to update your athletic resume.
4. Continue sport camp participation.
5. Take the PSAT in the fall when it is first offered. Take the SAT and ACT in the spring when they are offered.
6. Contact schools that may interest you and return all cards back to these schools.
7. Respond back to any and all schools that contact you with their return post cards or letters.
8. Make unofficial visits to those schools that you may wish to attend
SENIOR YEAR
1. Review with your counselor that you have taken or will take all the classes that will be required for NCAA collegiate eligibility.
2. Retake the SAT/Act if necessary.
3. Continue to meet with your High School Coaches as to what schools and on what level you are most suited to play.
4. Begin to mail your college applications.
5. narrow your choice of schools and take your five official visits to the schools that you might like to attend. Remember, it is an education decision first, followed by athletics.
6. Begin to research a variety of resources for financial aid.
7. Any concerns can be directed to the NCAA at ( www.ncaa.org ).
RECRUITING INFORMATION AND TIPS
Recruiting Colleges:
· * Take a proactive approach and research the college programs that you want to attend.
· * Target the schools that are an athletic and academic match for you
· * Reduce the number of potential schools to 50 or so from the 1,400 colleges in the nation that offer a baseball program
· * Gather information on the internet regarding universities and their athletic programs. You can also speak with your guidance counselor, look through the Peterson’s 4 year college Guide or The Sports Official Baseball Guide for information.