Every sport moves at its own pace
Some sports recruit early and some recruit late. This is the general shape. Check the rules for your sport for exact dates.
Freshman year: build the base
• Grades count from day one. Protect the GPA.
• Develop as a player. Film games when you can.
• Start learning the levels: Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior college.
Sophomore year: get on the radar
• Build a first target list across the levels that fit.
• Set up recruiting profiles and a highlight video.
• Start emailing coaches at schools you're interested in. Coaches can often read and track you before they're allowed to reply.
Junior year: the busy year
• Contact often picks up, depending on your sport's rules.
• Visit campuses: unofficial visits are a great start.
• Keep the list moving: follow up, update coaches, narrow down.
• Plan for test scores and eligibility registration.
Senior year: decide
• Official visits, offers and comparing them.
• Signing and paperwork, by your sport's timeline.
• Keep grades up. Admission still matters.
Starting early isn't about pressure. It's about having choices when it counts.
Behind already?
It's not too late. Late starters can still find great fits, especially beyond Division I. Start with the list and the first emails this week.
Instead of
"We'll start recruiting junior year."
Say this
"Let's build a list and a highlight video this year, so junior year is about choosing, not catching up."
The move
Find your athlete's grade above and pick the one item you haven't done. Put it on the calendar this month.
Keep reading
Recruiting rules that matter here
Stop guessing who's paying attention.
Answer 4 quick questions and get one clear step your family can take this week. No score, no grade.
Prospect-Orbit Pro syncs your coach emails automatically, keeps every program's status in one view, and reminds you when it's time to follow up.