When you’re a recruit for track and field or cross country there are plenty of steps you can take to make the process easier. NCSA can help make sure that you do everything that you can to separate yourself from other men’s track recruits.
1. Develop your game plan and get evaluated by a third party. College track coaches don’t usually have the budgets to travel and see a lot of potential recruits in person, so they rely heavily on times and evaluations provided by a trusted source like NCSA. Because NCSA is a neutral third party, we provide honest answers about your skill level, and we help you set realistic goals.
2. Post your academic/athletic resume online. Having easy and organized access to your times, statistics, academic information and track videos makes a college track coach’s job much easier. NCSA has the largest digital platform available to high school athletes, making you visible to hundreds of college track and field coaches.
3. Create an informative highlight video to showcase your skills.
Because track and field is about turning in the best times and distances, your statistics are what interest coaches the most. But a highlight video is an important way to illustrate your technique.
- Sprinters: Highlight your starts and show complete races to illustrate your form.
- Distance Runners: Show your starts and highlight your ability to be aggressive, to gain position, and to kick at the end of the race. Include two to three complete races.
- Cross Country Runners: Feature complete races if you can. Cross country can be difficult to film, so include footage of 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs if you have them.
- Jumpers: Choose several jumps that highlight your best form.
- Weights: Use footage that proves you’ve got good form and technique.
4. Get in touch with at least 25 college track programs. There are nearly 1,000 colleges with track and field programs. Begin with a large list of potential schools to help ensure that the perfect fit rises to the top when the track recruiting process ends. Using NCSA’s digital space makes it easy to get your information to dozens of prospective colleges. Realize that the majority of college track teams aren’t in Division I. More than 70% of college track teams compete at the Division II, Division III, NAIA or junior college level.
5. Know that it’s not a four-year decision. It’s a 40-year decision. Selecting a college is one of the most important decisions you will make. Do your research and make an educated decision, not only as a track recruit, but also as a student. Input from NCSA can help match you up with a school that’s an ideal fit.