Tag: college recruiting

Connecting with College Coaches: Five Tips Every Student-Athlete Should Follow

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Connecting with college coaches is one of the most important steps in the recruiting process—and one of the most misunderstood. Many student-athletes assume coaches will simply “find” them. In reality, recruiting is a proactive process that rewards preparation, communication, and persistence.

To increase your chances of building meaningful connections with college coaches, focus on the following five proven strategies.

1. Research Potential Schools

Before reaching out to any coach, take the time to research schools that align with both your athletic and academic goals. Look beyond the name on the jersey. Consider the level of competition, the coaching staff and their recruiting history, training facilities, and the quality of academic programs that support your long-term career plans. Targeting the right schools from the start leads to stronger conversations and better recruiting outcomes.

2. Reach Out to Coaches

Don’t wait for a coach to contact you—initiate the conversation. Email, social media, text messages, and phone calls are all tools athletes can use to express interest. Effective communication should highlight not only your athletic ability but also your desire to earn a college education and contribute to the program. Personalized, respectful outreach shows maturity and genuine interest, which coaches value.

3. Link Your Recruit Profile

Your recruiting profile acts as your sports resume. A PrepStar recruit profile provides college coaches with a clear snapshot of who you are as an athlete and student, including statistics, academic information, achievements, and personal details. Always include your profile link when contacting coaches. You can find your link by clicking the Settings button on the Scoreboard homepage, making it easy to share with every coach you contact.

4. Stay Active on Social Media

Social media matters in recruiting. College coaches regularly review a recruit’s online presence to learn more about their character, habits, and behavior. Stay active, positive, and professional. Share training updates, game highlights, and academic achievements while avoiding posts that could raise red flags. Think of social media as an extension of your recruiting profile.

5. Be Persistent and Patient

Recruiting is rarely an overnight process. Coaches manage hundreds of prospects and tight recruiting calendars, so responses may not come immediately. Stay patient, follow up appropriately, and continue developing your skills both on and off the field. Consistent effort, strong communication, and steady improvement often separate recruited athletes from those who get overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Connecting with college coaches requires a plan, consistent action, and the right tools. By researching schools, reaching out confidently, sharing your PrepStar recruit profile, managing your social media presence, and staying persistent, you put yourself in control of your recruiting journey.

Preparation creates opportunity—and opportunity leads to results.

NCAA Replaces NLI with New Athletics Aid Offers, Integrates NIL Opportunities

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Earlier this year the NCAA announced changes to the National Letter of Intent (NLI) program, transitioning from the traditional NLI to written offers of athletics aid. While this adjustment may appear significant, it largely represents a rebranding, as the core process and dates will remain the same.

Under the new system, written offers of athletics aid will replace the NLI, with signing dates adhering to the existing formula used for NLIs. Athletes will continue to sign on the same dates as before, maintaining consistency in the recruiting calendar.

An important shift, however, is the expanded scope of these written offers. Athletics aid packages will now include any Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, meaning financial compensation from NIL deals can be part of the official athletics aid offer. This change brings clarity and transparency, allowing athletes to consider all financial aspects of their commitment when signing.

This move aims to streamline the process while aligning the official athletics aid offer with the realities of today’s collegiate sports environment, where NIL opportunities play a significant role in many athletes’ decisions. It simplifies the signing process for athletes and coaches, integrating NIL within the formal recruiting structure of college sports.

Prioritize, Plan, Perform: How Homeschooling Builds Elite Time-Management Skills in Athletes

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For student-athletes, success doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from discipline, structure, and the ability to prioritize what matters most. Homeschooling supports this process by giving young athletes the tools and flexibility they need to excel in both academics and sports. With intentional planning and thoughtful routines, homeschooled athletes learn how to set goals, manage time, and stay focused on long-term success.

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to design daily schedules around an athlete’s physical and academic needs. Instead of rushing through homework late at night or struggling to stay awake after long practices, homeschoolers can use block scheduling to create a balanced day. Academic subjects can be grouped into focused learning blocks, while training, recovery, and competition are built naturally into the routine. This structure teaches athletes how to work efficiently, avoid burnout, and stay consistent.

Time management becomes second nature. Athletes learn how to plan ahead, break tasks into manageable pieces, and prioritize their responsibilities. These are skills that will serve them well in college athletics, careers, and life. Homeschooling encourages independence, accountability, and strategic thinking—qualities that every successful athlete must master.

Goal-setting becomes a central part of the homeschool athlete’s routine. They learn not only to set ambitious goals but also to build daily habits that move them closer to achieving them. Whether it’s improving on the field, boosting academic performance, or preparing for future opportunities, homeschooling provides the supportive environment needed to grow with purpose.

Homeschooling isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about teaching young athletes how to structure their lives with intention. With block scheduling, personalized routines, and strong time-management skills, they learn to balance academic achievement with athletic excellence.

Flexibility and Focus: How Homeschooling Empowers Student-Athletes to Balance Sports, Study, and Life

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For student-athletes, every day is a balancing act between academics, training, competition, and recovery. Traditional school schedules often leave little room for flexibility, rest, or individual focus—but homeschooling changes that. The flexibility of homeschooling allows families to adapt learning around an athlete’s unique needs, ensuring both academic success and personal growth.

Homeschooling gives student-athletes the opportunity to thrive on a schedule that matches their rhythm. Morning practices, midweek tournaments, and travel days no longer disrupt their education. Lessons can be completed at different times, and assignments can be customized to match the athlete’s learning pace and interests. This kind of adaptability not only reduces stress but helps students maintain focus, motivation, and confidence in both academics and athletics.

Curiosity-driven learning is another hallmark of homeschooling. Athletes can dive into topics that excite them—sports science, nutrition, psychology, or even sports management—turning their passions into real educational experiences. By encouraging independent research and exploration, homeschooling builds self-discipline and critical thinking, skills that transfer seamlessly to the competitive world of sports.

Perhaps the most meaningful benefit of homeschooling is the gift of time. Without the demands of rigid school hours and long commutes, families can prioritize what truly matters: their children’s well-being, growth, and happiness. There’s more time for recovery, family meals, goal setting, and genuine connection.

In a world that often pushes young athletes to move faster and do more, homeschooling allows them to slow down just enough to enjoy the journey—to learn deeply, train intentionally, and grow into well-rounded, fulfilled individuals. It’s not just an alternative to traditional education; it’s a lifestyle that nurtures both the mind and the body.

Taking Control: Why Homeschooling is the Perfect Fit for Today’s Competitive Athletes

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For student-athletes, time is one of the most valuable resources. Between early practices, long tournaments, travel days, and recovery, balancing academics and athletics can feel overwhelming. That’s where homeschooling truly shines. It gives young athletes the flexibility they need to train harder, recover better, and perform at their best—both on the field and in the classroom.

Traditional school schedules often control a student-athlete’s day from start to finish, leaving little room for proper rest, training, or nutrition. Homeschooling flips that structure. Families can design a schedule that works around practices, competitions, and travel. Whether it’s starting lessons early to free up afternoons for strength training or taking rest days after a tournament, homeschooling gives athletes the ability to manage their time strategically.

Homeschool student athletes control their schedule, so they can control their progress.

This flexibility also supports better health and performance. With homeschooling, athletes can plan nutritious meals throughout the day instead of grabbing quick snacks between classes. They can prioritize recovery—essential for preventing injuries and maintaining long-term performance—without feeling rushed or penalized for missing class time.

Most importantly, homeschooling empowers athletes and their families to take control of their schedule rather than letting a school dictate it. That autonomy teaches valuable life skills such as time management, accountability, and discipline—qualities every successful athlete needs.

In a world where student-athletes are expected to excel in both academics and sports, homeschooling provides the perfect balance. It’s not just an alternative education option—it’s a lifestyle that supports dreams, builds character, and gives young athletes the freedom to thrive on their own terms.

If you’re homeschool family and ready to take the next step toward your college recruiting journey follow my IG page- homefieldadvantagehq – our page to help homeschool athletes reach the next level.

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How Homeschooled Athletes Can Qualify for College Sports

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Homeschooling continues to rise across the country. In the 2022–23 school year, about 3.4% of all K–12 students in the U.S. — roughly 3 to 4 million — were homeschooled, up from around 2.8% in 2018–19. With more families choosing home education for flexibility, faith, or focus on athletics, many homeschool athletes are now setting their sights on competing at the next level.

The path to college sports is absolutely open for homeschool athletes — it just takes organization, preparation, and understanding the NCAA eligibility process.

Start by creating your Student-Athlete Account at the NCAA Eligibility Center. This is your official starting point for NCAA verification and where you’ll upload your transcript, course details, and proof of graduation.

Next Build a Complete Homeschool Transcript. The transcript should list all courses, grades, and credits earned and be signed and dated by your homeschool administrator (usually a parent). This serves as your official record of academic achievement.

Then, Provide Course Descriptions and Meet NCAA Core Standards. Each course needs a brief outline that includes textbooks, grading methods, and objectives. The NCAA requires 16 core courses in English, math, science, and social studies, so make sure your curriculum matches those expectations.

Along the way, keep detailed records. Save syllabi, graded work, and reading lists. The NCAA may request additional documentation, and staying organized will make the process much smoother. Student athletes will need to submit proof of graduation. So, a homeschool diploma or written statement confirming your graduation date completes your eligibility file.

Throughout your high school care it is important to compete, so get on the field and get noticed!

Join a homeschool athletic association, club program, or — where allowed — your local public school team to gain competitive experience. Exposure is key to being recruited by college coaches.

Coach’s Tip: PrepStar has helped thousands of student-athletes, including homeschoolers, get seen and recruited by college coaches nationwide. If you’re homeschooled and ready to take the next step toward your college recruiting journey follow my IG page- homefieldadvantagehq – our page to help homeschool athletes reach the next level.

Social Media Strategy Tips

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Building a strong social media presence can be a powerful tool for student-athletes looking to share their journey, connect with fans, and attract college coaches—but it must be done strategically and responsibly. A well-planned social media strategy helps athletes maintain a positive personal brand, showcase their character, and communicate effectively while protecting their reputation and safety. Here are some key steps to consider when developing a social media strategy for student-athletes.

  1. Establish guidelines: Create clear guidelines for what is and isn’t appropriate to post on social media. This includes topics like language, images, and content related to the school or team.
  2. Determine platforms: Decide which social media platforms to use based on your target audience and goals.
  3. Develop a content calendar: Plan out what you will post and when. This can include game updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal stories.
  4. Engage with followers: Respond to comments and messages to foster engagement and build relationships with followers.
  5. Monitor analytics: Track metrics like engagement and reach to evaluate the success of your strategy and adjust as needed.

Remember to always prioritize student safety and well-being when creating and implementing a social media strategy.

5 Tips for Creating a Standout Recruiting Highlight Video

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When creating a recruiting highlight video, the main goal isn’t to show how each game unfolded with a chronological series of plays. Instead, the purpose is to tell the story of why you’re a serious prospect. You do this by showcasing your best position-specific skills and athleticism.

Here are five key tips for assembling a standout recruiting video: 

1. Keep the video time between 3-5 minutes
2. Frontload the best plays in the first 30-60 seconds
3. Showcase position-specific skills
4. Keep the focus on you by spotlighting
5. Avoid plays with cheap shots or penalties

Choosing the Right NCAA Eligibility Account

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The NCAA Eligibility Center offers three types of accounts. To start your registration begin with the free profile page. As students move through their high school career the NCAA helps you progress through the verification process by sending an email with instructions to help prospective student athletes matriculate through the verification process.  

 Athletes are advised to begin the Clearinghouse process in the beginning of their junior year. At that time, athletes must arrange to meet with a guidance counselor at your high school in order to review the Clearinghouse process. If you are a senior and have not already begun the Clearinghouse process, don’t panic, there is still time. Set up to meet with your guidance counselor in the next few days and get started with the Clearinghouse process.

3 types of NCAA Eligibility accounts:

  • Profile Page (Free) – A great starting point! If you’re not sure about competing in college yet, this account allows you to receive updates and easily upgrade later.
  • Certification Account (Required for D1 & D2 Athletes) – If you plan to compete at the Division I or II level, you’ll need to upgrade to this account to get officially certified.
  • International Student Account – Designed for student-athletes from outside the U.S.

The link to the NCAA Eligibility Center can be found in the Locker Room tab of your PrepStar recruiting profile.  For athletes not PrepStar verified, search for the The NCAA Eligibility Center.

Train. Learn. Recover:

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A High School Athlete’s Formula for Success

Success in high school athletics doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of dedication, smart preparation, and consistent effort both on and off the field. To truly stand out, athletes must commit to more than just showing up for practices and games; they need a structured plan for skill development,coaching and feedback. Not to leave out the discipline to care for their bodies and minds- especially during the demands of in-season games and practices. 

By focusing on training with purpose, being coachable, and prioritizing recovery and mental preparation, student-athletes can unlock their full potential and position themselves for long-term success in their sport.

1. Commit to Consistent Training and Skill Development
Train with purpose: Follow a structured training program tailored to your sport and position.

Master the fundamentals: Build a solid foundation by refining basic techniques before advancing to complex skills.

Cross-train: Incorporate strength, agility, speed, and mobility work to become a more complete athlete.

2. Seek Coaching and Feedback
Work with coaches: Regularly ask for input on areas to improve and apply their feedback.

Film review: Analyze game and practice footage to identify mistakes and opportunities for growth.

Be coachable: Maintain a growth mindset and stay open to constructive criticism.

3. Focus on Recovery, Nutrition, and Mental Preparation
Prioritize recovery: Get enough sleep, hydrate, and take rest days to allow for muscle repair and performance gains.

Eat to perform: Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that support training and recovery.

Build mental toughness: Set goals, develop confidence, and use visualization and positive self-talk to stay focused and motivated.

By staying disciplined in these three areas, athletes can maximize their potential and consistently elevate their performance throughout their high school career.