Seeking info on Division 1 track & field schools

Hi all, I'm really into track & field and I hope to compete at the Division 1 level in college. Does anyone have any suggestions on which schools I should be looking into, and what's the typical recruiting process like?

Hi! It's awesome that you're interested in competing in Division 1 track & field in college. Here are some tips to help you identify the right schools and navigate the recruiting process:

1. Research schools: Start by looking for colleges that have strong Division 1 track & field programs. You can use websites like NCAA, USTFCCCA, or TFRRS to find rankings, meet results, and performance lists. Some well-known D1 track & field programs include the University of Oregon, University of Southern California (USC), Texas A&M, and LSU. Consider other factors as well, like academics, campus environment, and location, so you choose a school that's the best fit for you.

2. Evaluate your stats: To get an idea of where you stand compared to current D1 track & field athletes, check the performance standards at your preferred schools. This will help you understand whether you're a strong candidate and identify the areas where you need to improve.

3. Contact coaches: Start reaching out to college coaches as early as your sophomore or junior year of high school. You can typically find their contact information on the team's website. Introduce yourself, express your interest in the program, and provide your athletic and academic information, including personal bests, GPA, and standardized test scores. Update them periodically about your progress throughout your high school career.

4. Create a recruiting profile: Build an online recruiting profile that showcases your athletic and academic achievements, along with any extracurricular activities. This will make it easier for coaches to learn more about you and assess your potential fit.

5. Attend summer camps and track meets: Participate in high-profile track meets and camps to increase your visibility and gain exposure to college coaches. This will also give you a chance to meet other athletes and compare your abilities to those at the next level.

6. Obtain recommendations: Ask your high school coach for a recommendation letter or a phone call to the college coach on your behalf. This can help validate your abilities and show that you're coachable.

7. Financial aid: Research athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, and financial aid opportunities that can help support your college education. Keep in mind that not all D1 programs offer full athletic scholarships, so consider reaching out to the financial aid office to learn more about your options.

8. Official and unofficial visits: Once you've garnered interest from college coaches, they may invite you for an official visit, during which the college covers some or all of your expenses. You can also schedule an unofficial visit on your own, where you tour the campus, meet the coaches and team, attend a practice, and get a feel for the school culture.

Remember that the recruiting process can be competitive, so the sooner you start preparing, the better! Focus on improving your athletic performance, academic success, and involvement in your community to present yourself as an attractive and well-rounded candidate. Good luck in your search!