- Start early. The recruiting process for D1 scholarships begins in the summer before your junior year of high school. Start by contacting coaches at colleges you are interested in and let them know you are interested in playing for their school.
- Be a good student. Academics are just as important as athletics when it comes to getting a D1 athletic scholarship. Make sure you have good grades and test scores.
- Play at a high level. You need to be a good player to get a D1 athletic scholarship. Play for a good high school team and compete in summer tournaments/meets.
- Get noticed. One way to get noticed by college coaches is to attend showcases and camps. These events give you the opportunity to showcase your skills in front of college coaches.
- Send out your highlight video. A highlight video is a great way to show college coaches what you can do on the field. Make sure your video is well-edited and highlights your best plays.
- Be persistent. The recruiting process can be long and frustrating, but don’t give up. Keep contacting coaches and let them know you are still interested in playing for their school.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The number of D1 athletic scholarships available is limited. Only the best players will receive scholarships.
- The cost of attending a D1 college is high. Even with a scholarship, you will still need to find a way to pay for tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
- D1 sports are demanding. Players must be in top physical condition and be able to commit to a rigorous training schedule.
If you are serious about playing at the D1 level, you need to be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices. But if you are willing to put in the effort, it can be a rewarding experience.
