* You become a prospective student-athlete the first day of classes your freshmen year of high school.
* The statistics indicate that the number of NCAA freshmen roster openings runs between 3% and 13% for graduating high school senior student-athletes.
* A survey of 300 Division I and II college coaches found that 30% began tracking athletes as freshman; 45% began tracking athletes as sophomores; 25% began tracking athletes as juniors; 0% begins tracking athletes as seniors. * There are over 1,800 U.S. colleges and universities that sponsor collegiate athletics and are able to offer financial packages. More than 94% of those opportunities fall outside of DI. Have clear expectations of the college programs you qualify for based on athletic and academic performance, whether that’s DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, or NJCAA. (And, yes, DIII schools provide financial packages, too!) Great schools exist at all levels. Expand your horizons and increase your odds. The more schools in your pool, the better your chances.
* College coaches depend on verified information from reliable sources about prospects as young as 7th grade. Most coaches attend tournaments, games, and camps with a list of student athletes they will evaluate, not with the hopes of discovering prospects.
* 84% of Division I prospects are identified by the end of sophomore year. You need to be pro-active in getting your name, academic scores and athletic achievements in front of coaches.
FAQ
Is Athlink a recruiting service?
NO! Athlink is not a recruiting service. Athlink was developed by former college coaches that understand the recruiting process and the necessity for potential student-athletes and the family to be informed, educated, and guided through the college recruiting process. Athlink bridges the gap between the college coach and the student-athlete.
I have heard that college coaches are not using recruiting services that often anymore. Is this true?
Yes this is true. College coaches want to see the student-athlete take some initiative in their own recruiting process. College coaches also want to know that the information they are receiving is a quality potential candidate for their institution and this is not always the case.
If someone assists me with the recruiting process shouldn't I be guaranteed a scholarship?
It is a violation of NCAA rules for anyone to guarantee you a scholarship. If someone is telling you this then you need to immediately cease any communication with them, as it is not only a violation but very unethical as scholarships are not just handed out.
I have a friend whose daughter/son was recruited and he said he would help me because recruiting is not that difficult?
The recruiting process is very different for everyone. The recruiting process is very overwhelming and time consuming. Understanding the process as a parent is much different than understanding the process as a former college coach. Do you want to take the chance that you are doing and saying the right things along the way or do you want to ensure that you are doing the right things?
If there is currently not a local Athlink representative in my area can you still assist my group or family?
Absolutely! Athlink works with groups and individuals nationwide.
When should I begin working with you?
You become a prospective student-athlete the first day of classes your freshmen year of high school. College coaches begin tracking kids their freshmen/sophomore year at the latest, so the earlier you get started the better.
I am a junior or a senior. Can you still help me?
Yes, we can still help you. You are behind in terms of recruiting, so you need to contact us now!