Playing for an NCAA College: It's a Contact Sport Knoxville TN

Playing for an NCAA College: It's a Contact Game

Making the team at a Division I or II college requires you to do more than score lots of points and letter each year. Only a few outstanding athletes are sought out by top schools each year, even though there are thousands of students with a ton of skill. Market yourself by making contact with the people that matter in the arena of college athletics.

Get to know the players
If you're serious about playing a sport in college, get in touch with the coaches as soon as you know where you want to apply. Let them know you're interested in playing for them and find out what they're looking for in an athlete. Remember, unless you're big news in all the local papers, they aren't going to know who you are — you have to let them know about you!

Your high school coaches probably have collegiate contacts and may be happy to make the first call for you. Don't be surprised if you are asked to provide information detailing your athletic accomplishments as early on as your first inquiry. Later, a videotape and statistics might be requested.

Keep in mind that if you're recruited by a coach, it doesn't mean that you're guaranteed admission to the school. There's usually an admission officer who serves as a liaison with the athletic department and, while decision-making may be collaborative, it is the admission office that determines if you're in or out — not the coaches or the athletic directors.

Author: Alan Frost

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