Tag: sports

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.

Recruiting Rules Made Simple: What Every Athlete Must Know About Coach Communication

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While many divisions (D1, D2, D3, etc) have similar communication rules, in actuality, there are some glaring differences.

Recruiting timelines and communication rules can appear confusing. But with a little planning and research, athletes can use them to their benefit. For example, it is very important to be aware of the contact communication periods within your sport as well as the communication regulations that accompany them. This information is easy to locate within the NCAA and NAIA regulations pages on their respective websites. This information can also be accessed in the Locker Room tab of your Prepstar recruiting profile.

It is also important to note the communication rules. While many divisions (D1, D2, D3, etc) have similar communication rules, in actuality, there are some glaring differences. The differences range from permissible emails, phone calls or visits. For example, D2 coaches in comparison to DI coaches, have much more leniency with communications. It is helpful to learn the differences.

Contact periods for all colleges run along a similar timeline however. For example, FBS schools (those that go to bowl games) have similar contact periods than FCS or D2 colleges. But, D3 colleges have nominal timeline communication.

Now, for athletes looking to take advantage of recruiting opportunities, the key is to be proactive! Please keep in mind that at any time throughout the year, athletes are permitted to contact coaches. This means that to communicate with college coaches outside of designated contact periods the student-athlete has to be the one to initiate contact. Additionally, this rule also applies to underclassmen (freshman and sophomores). So again, no matter what time of year and no matter the contact period, college coaches are permitted to talk with prospects as long as the prospect makes the first move to contact them. For this reason, I always suggest asking the coach to schedule a few minutes of his/her time for a quick call to talk about their program and recruiting process.

The NCAA posts, “The rules define who may be involved in the recruiting process, when recruiting may occur and the conditions under which recruiting may be conducted. Recruiting rules seek, as much as possible, to control intrusions into the lives of student-athletes.”
However, the statement makes no mention of prohibiting student initiated communicating with college coaches.

Clearly, it would be an advantage to use this rule to your benefit. I highly recommend that student-athletes take the initiative to reach out to coaches with emails, texts, social media and phone calls. Never wait around for coaches to call you! Instead, be proactive and make it a priority to contact them. 

To wrap up, it is an understatement to say that recruiting is anything but a year round process. There is no downtime. College coaches are always recruiting. They are always on alert, looking for that student-athlete who can impact their program. 

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.

College Athletic Scholarships By the Name 

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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.

Prepstar featured athlete- riley carson

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Riley Carson. Riley is a versatile, high-impact player who excels in multiple phases of the game. Carson contributes as a wide receiver and strong safety, demonstrating his athleticism and football IQ. His presence on special teams is elite, where he serves as a punter, kickoff specialist, and punt returner. A key contributor to Mica Mountain’s 2024 4A State Championship team, Riley was also selected All Conference First Team Punter, All Conference Second Team Punt Return, All Conference Honorable Mention Wide Receiver and Strong Safety. 

This summer he also picked up offers from Lake Forest, Western New Mexico, Wabash, Minot State and Pacific and was selected for the 2025 Fiesta Bowl All State Selection (Punter). Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Metrics
Height 6’0”
Weight 188

Academics
GPA 4.25

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete
Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights
Twitter/X: @Riley_no13

What made you fall in love with your sport?
Bonding and making relationships with the people around me.

What’s one aspect of your game you’re working on right now?
Being a better play recognition in real time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a coach?
Do everything you try at 100%

What’s been your biggest highlight or proudest moment?
Winning the 2024 state championship with the football team.

Who do you look up to as an athlete?
I look up to my dad.

If a college coach asked what sets you apart, what would you say?
I would say my versatility.

What’s your go-to music before games?
Whatever is being played on the speaker in the locker room.

What’s your favorite pre-game snack or meal?
A dirt-n-worms from Freddy’s.

If you weren’t an athlete, what would your hobby be?
I would be a competitive cornhole player.

Prepstar featured athlete- Kaleb Layton

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Kaleb Layton. Kaleb is a dynamic quarterback with a strong arm, impressive athleticism, and the ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. The recent transfer to Buena High School (AZ) Kaleb had a stellar 2024 season, throwing for 1,943 yards, 19 touchdowns, and maintaining a 101.0 QB rating while also rushing for 210 yards and 8 touchdowns. His performance throughout the season earned him multiple Player of the Week honors, including recognition from Tucson ESPN Radio, KVOA News 4 Tucson, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, and more. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Metrics
Height 6’2”
Weight 170

Academics
GPA 3.0

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete
Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights
Twitter/X: @kaleb_Layton4

What are your goals after high school?
To go college and study business and continue my football dream and goals.

Are you looking to play in college?
Yes, it’s always been my dream since I was little to play at the next level in college.

What’s your dream school or team?
My dream college has been LSU ever since I was a kid. I’ve been watching them from the ups and downs.

What has been your favorite moment in competition?
The opportunity to get better, with good competition means that I’m pushing myself to be my best every rep.

What part of the game do you love most?
The family that it creates around a group of boys and creating memories with a team that is a part of something special.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
There is always something you can work on or get better at and your biggest competition is always the guy that looks back at you in the mirror.

What’s your pre-game routine / or pre-game superstition?
Locker room getting hyped up with my brothers.

If a movie was made about you, who would play you?
It would have to be my closest friend because he knows everything about me.

If you could try another sport, what would it be?
Yea, I wanna play baseball this year.

What’s your favorite game-day food?
Canes. Me and my teammates have always eaten canes before games. It helps us through the game

PrepStar Featured Athlete – Damir Ilicic

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Damir Ilicic. Ilicic is a read option dual threat quarterback with good size, speed, and a big arm. In 2024, as a Junior, Damir threw for 2,237 yards with 21TDs! Additionally, he was selected 1st Team All Region. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Metrics: 6’2”, 180
Academics: GPA 4.0

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete
Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights
Twitter/X: ​​@damirtilicic

What made you fall in love with your sport?
After I came to the United States I thought football looked so fun and entertaining, so I started playing and fell in love with it!

What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?
To be a better player and person everyday!

What’s your dream school to play for?
I would love to play at an Ivy League school like Dartmouth or Cornell. I believe that’s truly where I belong to play!

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from a coach?
The game is 20 percent physically and 80 percent mentally, it really changed my perspective on the fact that my mental game will take me further than my physical attributes.

What part of the game do you enjoy the most?
The team is my favorite part of the game.

What do you want to be remembered for as a teammate?
I would like to be remembered as someone who truly cared about everyone and that changed the program for the better.

How do you prepare before a game?
I usually prepare for the game by eating a lot of carbs the night before. I also watch a whole lot of film on the opponent throughout the game week.

What has been your favorite in-game moment?
My favorite in game moment had to be this past homecoming game, the throw to end the first half of the game really sealed the deal.

If a movie was made about you, who would star?
Leonardo DiCaprio, I just think he resembles me a whole lot.

If you could play another sport, what would it be?
I would like to play soccer, I used to play and it was fun when I did play.

Prepstar Featured athlete – Jenna Layton 

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Jenna Layton. The outstanding volleyball athlete was a 2024 Sports360AZ All-Academic Girls Volleyball (4A-6A) selection as a libero and defensive specialist. On the court she brings a high level of intensity, court awareness, and leadership to the Walden Grove High School team. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete

Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights

Twitter/X: ​​@jenna_layton7

What are your goals after high school?

My goals for after high school is to play collegiate volleyball and to study sports medicine. I plan on getting my doctorate in athletic training and major in kinesiology. 

Who or what inspires you to keep working hard?

What inspires me to continue to work hard is the mindset to be the best me in anything that I do, if that’s in volleyball or in my schooling or even as a person. I want to strive to continue to be better in areas that I’m already good in and to get better in the areas that I struggle. 

What’s one skill you’re working on this season?

One skill I would like to work on this season is my serve receive and getting it down to a tea. I realize within myself that it’s an area of performance that I know I need to try and perfect. 

What’s been your biggest accomplishment in your athletic career?

My biggest accomplishment in my athletic career would be making varsity as a sophomore or winning our preseason tournament leading into my junior high school season. 

How do you handle pressure or adversity?

How I handle pressure or adversity is by trying to forget the point before. If I mess up I forget about it and not let it dwell my performance the rest of the game. I also try to make sure I’m having fun when I play to help limit the pressure I feel. 

What do you want to be remembered for as an athlete?

What I would like to be remembered for as an athlete is not only my performance but how I am as a teammate and being able to run the back row when I play. I want to be known as the teammate that lifts everyone up and brings the energy to the court. 

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

If I could play any other sport it would be softball. I grew up in a softball/baseball family and I do have interest in it. I also played softball when I was younger and was pretty good. 

What’s your pre-game hype song?

Honestly I don’t have a specific song. I think any song that brings up the energy and gets me into the mood. Preferably Drake, 21 Savage or Kendrick. 

Who’s your favorite pro athlete and why?

My favorite pro athlete would be Lexi Rodriguez or Justine Wong Orantes. They control the court so well and play so calmly in tough situations. 

Favorite game-day snack?

My favorite pre game snack would be cheddar goldfish. I always have some in my volleyball bag for before or between games.

The PrepStar featured athlete

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Adam Diaz.  Ranked among the top snappers in the state of Arizona placing 1st place top score at the 2025 Kohl’s Kicking Western Showcase with average snap times of .72 seconds!  Diaz also 1st place AZ Kicking Upperclassmen Combine 2025 for long snappers. Overall, Adam is ranked 35th in the county class of 2026 with a 4.5 star rating. Additionally, he was selected 1st Team All Region 6A Fiesta after the 2024 season. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Metrics : Ht: 5’10”, Wt: 220 

Academics : GPA 3.66  

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete

Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights

Twitter/X: ​​@Diazaj2000

Are you hoping to compete at the next level?

Yes, I am looking forward to competing at college. Since a young age it has been my goal.

What are your academic goals in college (college major)?

I don’t have a specific major picked yet but I think I’m leaning towards engineering. 

What’s the best part of being a student-athlete?

I think the best part of being a student athlete is that it keeps you busy.

What made you start playing your sport?

I started playing it when I was younger and just liked it the more I played

What has been your most unforgettable sports moment?

My most memorable moment was winning the championship the last year of youth football

What’s one thing fans may not know about you?

Fans may not know that I like being a long snapper. I love it! 

Who’s your biggest supporter?

My dad is definitely my biggest supporter. He has been with me for literally every step of my football journey. 

What song gets you pumped up before a game?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite song, it’s more of a genre like indie pop.

The PrepStar featured athlete

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The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Riley Baughman. At 6’5”, 285, Riley is a massive offensive lineman from Cactus Shadows High School and ranked as one of the top linemen in Arizona (#11). Heading into the summer camp season, Baughman already has offers from Augustana University, Black Hills State University, University of Sioux Falls and Fort Lewis College. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about a few future goals, passion for the sport, memorable moments, and some light, fun personality-based questions.

Academics
GPA 3.67 ACT: 33 SAT: 1340

Metrics
40 Yard: 5.5 (Laser) Wing Span: 78

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete
Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights
Twitter/X: ​​@RileyBaughman75

What’s one skill you’re focused on improving this season? 

This season I’m just focused on perfecting my footwork to lockdown in pass protection.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from a coach? 

The best advice I’ve gotten is just that things are going to get tough, you just have to keep on moving forward.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far? 

Personally, my biggest accomplishment has been earning First Team All Region last year (2024).

How do you handle pressure or setbacks?

I handle it with the mindset of just dealing the cards you’re dealt. You need to make the best of your situation.

If a movie was made about you, who would star? 

I think Dwayne Johnson “the rock” could do a great job

What’s your favorite in-game moment? 

My favorite in game moment was our game winning 60 yard td run against our rival Notre Dame.

What do you want to be known for as an athlete?

I want to be known as someone who was always bringing good energy and working hard.

What’s your go-to pre-game meal or snack?

My go to pregame meal for everything is steak and a baked potato.

Favorite pump-up song before a game? 

Recently I’ve been listening to the rapper Baby Smoove to get me hyped up.

Who is your favorite pro athlete and why?

My favorite pro athlete is Taylor Lewan, he went to my high school and seems like a great person and always has positive energy.