Getting recruited to play collegiate sports in the United States is a dream that offers the ‘American College Dream’ and a world-class education.
Navigating the recruitment process, however, isn’t always so dreamy and will require you to develop your talent strategically OFF the ice (field, court, rink or whatever else) to get there.
And it’s time to make that dream your reality!
Understanding the U.S. Collegiate Sports Landscape
So, understanding the different collegiate-level divisions is the first step in picking the right school that meets the right athletic and academic needs for your future:
NCAA Division I, II, and III: Division I is the most competitive and offers the most athletic scholarships. Division II also offers athletic scholarships, though fewer than Division I, and Division III focuses more on academic scholarships, with no athletic scholarships available – each Division with its own student/life balance, NIL (name, image, likeness) opportunities, and chances to go pro (or at least get noticed).
Schools fall into three key categories:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) offers the largest and most competitive platform for collegiate sports in the U.S.
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): A smaller association than the NCAA, but it still offers a competitive environment and athletic scholarships.
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): Junior colleges provide a stepping stone for athletes who want to develop their skills before transferring to four-year institutions.
6 Key Steps to International Students Getting Recruited
Once you’ve been able to honestly consider your skills, academic standing, and goals for your future, you can narrow down your school selections (aka. the easy part).
Next, it’s time to go for it:
Step 1: Eligibility and Academic Requirements
The first step in the international recruitment process is making sure you’re eligible to play. Different organizations like the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA have varying eligibility requirements and prerequisites, so before you apply, make sure you’re eligible (because no one likes a last-minute, disappointing surprise):
For NCAA eligibility:
- Register with the NCAA International Eligibility Center as early as possible.
- Submit your academic transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores.
- Ensure you meet the NCAA’s academic and amateurism criteria, as well as any other regulations that might apply to international students.
For NAIA eligibility:
- Register with the NAIA International Eligibility Center.
- NAIA’s academic and amateurism requirements are similar to the NCAA’s but might vary slightly in terms of academic standards.
Step 2: Research Teams and Finding the Right Fit
This is where you begin to narrow down your options further based on factors like school size, location, team strength, and coaching capabilities.
Here are a few hot tips about creating a list of reach schools, target schools, and safety schools that will help you stay organized and realistic about your recruitment options:
- Use recruiting platforms like NCSA or SportsRecruits to explore schools and create a student-athlete profile.
- Consider team dynamics and competition level: Schools vary significantly in competitive intensity. Check past team performance and whether the team’s needs match your skills for the best chances.
- Think about academics and location: Don’t forget about the academic programs and campus culture. Also, consider whether you prefer a large city, a small town, or a specific region.
Step 3: Scholarships and What You Need to Know
Scholarships for international student-athletes vary based on the division and the school and are available to varying degrees depending on your division. Beyond athletic scholarships, many schools offer international students academic scholarships and financial aid.
Here’s a breakdown of typical opportunities:
- NCAA Division I and II: Both offer athletic scholarships, with Division I generally offering more full-ride scholarships.
- NAIA: NAIA schools offer athletic scholarships, though slightly less competitive than NCAA Division I schools.
- NJCAA: Junior colleges offer academic scholarships only, providing an affordable route to develop athletically and academically before transferring to a four-year institution.
Step 4: Create a Strong Athletic Profile and Highlight Reel
A strong, strategic athletic profile and highlight reel are crucial for getting noticed. Maintaining an active and professional social media presence will also help.
Tips for creating an effective profile and reel:
- Keep your highlight video between 3-5 minutes: Include your best plays, and make sure to highlight various skills and how you might stand out and fill the gaps for any particular team.
- Provide context: Include your jersey number, position, and any statistics that showcase your performance.
- Use platforms like Hudl or YouTube to share your highlight reel, making it easy for coaches to access.
Step Five: Contact Coaches and Build Relationships
Reaching out to coaches and establishing relationships is one of the most important steps in the recruitment process. It’s crucial to be proactive and make the impression that you’re interested in the team.
How to reach out to coaches:
- Personalized emails: Tailor your emails to each coach, explaining why you’re interested in their program and attaching your athletic profile and highlight reel.
- Follow-up: If you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks, send a polite follow-up email expressing continued interest.
- Be professional and concise: Coaches receive dozens of emails a day. Make sure yours is clear, concise, and professional.
Step 6: Consider Attending Camps and Showcases
Whenever possible, attending camps and showcases in the U.S. can significantly boost your exposure to college coaches. Even if attending camps in person isn’t feasible, virtual showcases are becoming increasingly popular, providing international athletes with more opportunities.
Getting recruited to play college sports in the U.S. can be a long and competitive process, but the rewards are significant (depending on your dream).
And if your dream is to get recruited … then we should chat.
