The NCAA says recruiting usually starts the summer after 10th grade, so a senior who has not been contacted is behind — but not out. The question is where the remaining roster spots are and how fast you can reach them.
Where the open roster spots are
Division III programs, which have no athletic scholarships and follow admission timelines, often recruit well into senior year. Many Division II and NAIA programs fill late too, and junior colleges recruit through the spring and summer. Some Division I programs also add athletes late, especially in individual sports.
What to do this month
- Build a list of 30–50 programs weighted toward D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO.
- Cut a highlight video from this season’s film — speed over polish.
- Email the position coach at every program on the list this week, with film, numbers, GPA and schedule.
- Fill out each program’s recruiting questionnaire.
- Register with the NCAA and/or NAIA Eligibility Center if you have not already.
- Ask your high-school and club coaches to make calls on your behalf.
- Follow up every two to three weeks with new results.
Other routes to a college roster
If the four-year offers you want have not come by graduation, junior college is a common route: a season or two of playing time, film and grades, then recruitment by four-year programs. Some athletes in sports such as hockey and basketball take a post-graduate year at a prep school. Others contact programs about joining as a walk-on, within the roster limits each program now works to.
If you are a junior
You are on time at most levels and in most sports. Use the timeline guide for this year and start emailing now.
Common mistakes
- Contacting only the programs that recruited your teammates.
- Waiting for senior-season film before emailing anyone.
- Dismissing D3, NAIA and junior college before comparing the cost after aid.