Tag: CSA PrepStar

Committing to a College: What to Do If a Coach Leaves Before You Sign

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The college recruiting process can feel stressful and overwhelming, but when an athlete finally commits to a school, it’s often a huge relief and a moment worth celebrating. Unfortunately, that excitement can quickly turn into uncertainty if the coach who recruited you leaves the program before you officially sign.

This situation is more common than many families realize. Coaching changes happen every year across all levels of college athletics, and a verbal commitment does not always guarantee what comes next. If you find yourself in this position, don’t panic—there are clear steps you can take to protect your future and continue pursuing your college goals.

Understand What a Verbal Commitment Really Means

First, it’s important to understand that a verbal commitment is not binding for either the athlete or the school. While it reflects mutual interest and intent, it does not legally secure a roster spot or athletic aid. Until paperwork is signed, the recruiting process is technically still open.

This is why coaching changes before signing day can create uncertainty. A new staff may reassess the roster, recruiting board, or scholarship allocations.

Step 1: Contact the Recruiting Coach or Athletic Department

If the coach who recruited you is leaving or has already left, reach out as soon as possible. If they are still available, ask directly whether your spot and offer remain secure. In some cases, outgoing coaches will advocate for committed recruits during the transition.

If the coach is already gone, contact the athletic department or recruiting coordinator to ask about next steps. Clear, professional communication is key.

Step 2: Introduce Yourself to the New Coaching Staff

Don’t wait for the new staff to contact you. Be proactive.

Send an introductory email to the new head coach or position coach that:

  • Reintroduces who you are
  • Confirms your verbal commitment
  • Highlights your recent athletic and academic progress
  • Expresses continued interest in the program

This gives the new staff context and shows maturity, initiative, and professionalism—traits coaches value.

Step 3: Keep Your Options Open

Until something is signed, it’s wise to continue communicating with other programs that have shown interest. This is not being disloyal; it’s being realistic. Let those coaches know about the coaching change and where you stand.

Having options protects you if the new staff decides to go in a different direction.

Athletic Grant-in-Aid Agreements: What You Need to Know

What many people still call the National Letter of Intent (NLI) has evolved. Today, athletes sign Athletic Grant-in-Aid agreements, which outline the financial aid being provided by the institution for athletic participation.

Once signed:

  • The agreement is binding for the academic year stated
  • The athlete agrees to attend that institution
  • Other schools must stop recruiting the athlete

While this is an exciting milestone, it’s also a serious commitment. Breaking a signed agreement can lead to penalties, including transfer restrictions or loss of eligibility, depending on the situation.

Because of this, athletes should only sign once they are confident in:

  • The coaching staff
  • Their role on the team
  • The academic and athletic fit

Final Thoughts

A coaching change before signing can feel unsettling, but it doesn’t have to derail your recruiting journey. Stay proactive, communicate clearly, and lean on trusted advisors—parents, high school coaches, and recruiting professionals—to help guide your decisions.

Remember: your commitment should be to the right fit for you, not just to a coach. By understanding the process and taking the right steps, you can navigate this challenge with confidence and position yourself for long-term success.

Transfer portal- Updates for 2025-2026

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The NCAA has once again made  changes to the transfer portal for the 2025-2026 year. These adjustments, particularly the two-window system, are intended to streamline the transfer process while balancing flexibility and stability within college athletics.

The revamped notification-of-transfer process now operates within a single transfer window from January 2-16, with a special five-day window available for players whose seasons extend beyond January 1st. Additionally, there is now a 15-day window for players to transfer immediately after a head coaching change.  

By consolidating these periods, the NCAA aims to simplify decisions for athletes while minimizing disruptions for both teams and individual players. Additionally, the new regulations reinforce the binding nature of the National Letter of Intent (NLI), reaffirming it as a formal agreement between student-athletes and universities. This ensures that the decision to transfer is not taken lightly, preserving some level of stability within athletic programs. 

For high school athletes, the transfer portal changes may prove beneficial. With a clearer, more structured transfer process, fewer late-season transfers could mean more available scholarships and roster spots for incoming high school recruits. Coaches and recruiters can focus more efficiently on long-term development rather than immediate replacement needs, potentially leading to increased opportunities for high school seniors.

Overall, these NCAA adjustments balance athletes’ needs for flexibility with institutional stability, promising a more controlled and transparent transfer system that should benefit both current players and prospective recruits.

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

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

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.

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

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

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.

#HomeFieldAdvantage
#HomeschoolAthlete
#homeschoolsports
#HomeschoolToCollege
#PrepForCollegeSports
#AthleteRecruiting

Social Media Strategy Tips

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

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

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

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

Train. Learn. Recover:

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

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.

College Athletic Scholarships By the Name 

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

Understanding NCAA Athletic Scholarships: Headcount vs. Equivalency Sports

Not all scholarships are awarded the same way. The NCAA divides sports into two categories: headcount sports and equivalency sports. Photo credit, Jeffrey F Lin 

When it comes to college athletics, scholarships play a crucial role in helping student-athletes afford their education while competing at a high level. However, not all scholarships are awarded the same way. The NCAA divides sports into two categories: headcount sports and equivalency sports, with different rules for how scholarships are distributed.

Headcount vs. Equivalency Sports

In headcount sports, such as Division I football (FBS), men’s and women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, tennis, and volleyball, scholarships are awarded on a full-ride basis. This means each scholarship must cover the full cost of attendance, and there are strict limits on how many athletes can receive one.

In contrast, equivalency sports like baseball, track and field, and soccer allow coaches to divide scholarship funds among multiple players. This means that instead of receiving a full scholarship, many athletes in these sports receive partial scholarships, which are often combined with academic aid or other financial assistance.

Scholarships in Division II and Division III

At the Division II level, all sports are considered equivalency sports, meaning scholarships are typically divided among team members. This allows more athletes to receive financial assistance, but most do not receive full-ride scholarships.

Meanwhile, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships at all. However, this does not mean that athletes are left without financial support. Many Division III student-athletes receive substantial aid through academic scholarships, grants, and need-based financial aid. In some cases, the financial packages at Division III institutions can be just as competitive as those in scholarship-granting divisions.

For student-athletes and their families, understanding these distinctions can help in making informed decisions about college recruiting and financial planning. Whether aiming for a full scholarship in a headcount sport, seeking partial aid in an equivalency sport, or leveraging academic scholarships in Division III, there are multiple paths to making college athletics an affordable reality.

Workout Recovery tip: Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) vs. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): What’s the Difference?

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting
Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash

When it comes to workout recovery for athletes, the difference between EAAs and BCAAs is significant. BCAAs—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—play an important role in triggering muscle protein synthesis and can reduce soreness and provide energy during training. However, because they make up only three of the nine essential amino acids, they are incomplete for rebuilding and repairing muscle tissue.

EAAs, on the other hand, include all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. This complete profile not only stimulates muscle protein synthesis but also supports hormone production, energy balance, and prevents muscle breakdown. EAAs provide the full building blocks required for muscle repair, making them the gold standard for post-workout recovery.

Bottom line: BCAAs are helpful during training for energy and soreness management, but EAAs are superior for full recovery, growth, and long-term performance gains.

Game On: What September 1 Means for Your Recruiting Journey

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

September 1 of a student-athlete’s junior year in high school is one of the most important dates in the recruiting calendar, especially for Division I and II prospects. On this date, college coaches are officially permitted to begin direct communication with prospective student-athletes. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, direct messages on social media, and other personal recruiting correspondence. Before this date, coaches are limited in how they can interact with underclassmen, typically only able to send camp invites, questionnaires, or general recruiting materials.

In addition to communication, September 1 also marks the point when athletes may begin receiving recruiting materials and more personalized information from programs. Coaches can start scheduling unofficial and official visits, although the actual timing for when official visits can take place may vary by sport. Prospects may also begin discussing scholarships, roster opportunities, and other program details directly with coaches.

This date is especially significant because it is the first opportunity athletes have to see which programs have genuine interest. For many sports, September 1 serves as the “starting line” for meaningful recruiting conversations and can accelerate the process of narrowing down college options.

Athletes preparing for this milestone should have their highlight film, academic information, and athletic resume updated and ready to share. Being proactive on or before September 1 can make a major difference in attracting coach attention and building early momentum in the recruiting journey.