As you begin to navigate the recruiting process, recognize that the key to successful outcomes is that you get back what you put in. Don't sit back and wait to get noticed--actively pursue colleges and college coaches. Conduct your own college search and find schools that match your academic and athletic criteria, then immerse yourself in the recruiting process.

The recruiting process actively begins during your junior year. Many students may start to receive mailings and/or phone calls from college programs. While contact from colleges is flattering, do not allow recruiting to stop there. Make first contact yourself with schools that you would be interested in attending. Send letters to coaches and plan visits to campuses.

You should be aware that there are two types of visits involved in the recruiting process:

• Unofficial (Non-Paid) Visits-A student may visit a college campus at one's own expense an unlimited amount of times any time during high school.

• Official (Paid) Visits-A college may finance one visit to its campus for a prospective student-athlete during the student's senior year. Transportation, lodging, and meal costs may be covered.

Going through the recruiting process is a fun and exciting time. Make the most of the opportunity to sell yourself, meet new people, and travel to different college campuses.

The Recruiting Timetable

The timetable below serves as a checklist to make sure you are well on your way to becoming a D3 student-athlete. As you start ninth-grade classes, you become a "prospective student-athlete." Unique from the D1 and D2 levels, D3 institutions can contact prospective recruits by phone or mail at any point in high school. If any coach or representative of the college's athletic interests (booster or representative) approaches you (or any member of your family) about enrolling and participating in athletics at that college, you then become a "recruited prospective student-athlete" at a particular college.

9th and 10th Grade:

• Settle into the high school environment.
  
• Go to class, do your homework, and develop good study habits. Your academic performance will be integral to college recruiting.
  
• Play your sport at the highest level available, both with your school team and a club team.
  
• Begin thinking about showcases and other opportunities to display your athletic ability to college coaches.

11th Grade:

• Send out your first contact letter to college coaches. Be sure to include information about yourself and a copy of your team's schedule.
  
• Ask your high school coach to write letters of recommendation to select college coaches on your behalf.
  
• Register for and take the SAT/ACT.
  
• Plan unofficial visits to schools this spring and summer.
  
• Continue to play your sport at the highest level available, both with your school team and a club team.
  
• Attend camps and showcases to display your talent.
  
• KEEP UP THE HARD WORK ACADEMICALLY.

Important Note:
When a student-athlete has completed his/her junior year, college coaches can then make in-person, off-site contact.

12th Grade:

• Apply to the colleges of your choice, where you will have the best opportunities for academic and athletic success.
  
• Continue to play your sport at the highest level available, both with your school team and a club team.
  
• Attend camps and showcases to display your talent.
  
• Take advantage of official visits if presented with the opportunity.
  
• FIGHT THE URGES OF SENIORITIS--KEEP UP THE HARD WORK ACADEMICALLY.