How to get an athletic scholarship?

I'm a junior in high school and I'm super interested in getting an athletic scholarship for college. Can someone explain the process of obtaining scholarships as a student-athlete? Also, any tips on how to stand out and maximize my chances would be super helpful!

Congrats on considering the athletic scholarship route for college! It's great when you're able to combine your passion for sports with your academics. There are a few steps to follow and some tips to help you maximize your chances of securing an athletic scholarship.

First, if you haven't already, start researching the colleges and programs that interest you academically and athletically. That includes D1, D2, and sometimes D3 schools, depending on their policies. Each division and school will have different scholarship offerings, so make sure to collect as much information as possible.

Next, reach out to the coaches of the teams you're interested in joining. Your high school coach may be able to help make introductions, but you can also take the initiative by sending emails and showcasing your achievements. Make sure to be polite and informative when reaching out.

Create a recruiting profile. This often includes basic information, stats, awards, and even video footage of your skills. Websites like CollegeVine and others offer resources to help you build and optimize your profile. Having a strong recruiting profile makes it easier for college coaches to find you and assess your potential.

To stand out, focus on continually improving your athletic skills through rigorous training and gaining leadership experience within your high school team. Joining a club team or participating in camps and showcases can also be beneficial in gaining recognition and connecting with college coaches.

Lastly, maintain good academic performance and take standardized tests (if needed) to meet the eligibility requirements of the scholarships and the schools you're targeting.

I hope this provides a good overview for you. Good luck!