Scholarship Reality Checklist (v2.1) (ChatGPT#277)

Athletic Scholarship Checklist (v2.1)

An Honest Guide for Families Navigating the College Recruiting Process

Coach’s Perspective
College coaches recruit results and readiness — not hype.
This checklist is designed to help families decide when education, patience, and development should come before exposure.

First Name

Last Name

Athlete Full Name

Current Grade

Athlete's Primary Event(s)

Parent/Guardian Email

Understanding Athletic Scholarships and the Pathway

I understand what an athletic scholarship is

I understand full schlarships vs partial scholarships

I understand NIL deal and how they work

I understand the role of my high school academic advisor and when to engage them

I understand what the NCCA Eligility Center is and when to become a member

Athlete Performance & Development

My athlete consistently competes at a high level for their age group

My athlete shows steady improvement year over year

My athlete demonstrates sound technique and fundamentals

My athlete trains with structure and coach feedback

My athlete performs well under pressure

Recruiting Timeline Awareness

I understand most recruiting happens later in high school

I understand early social media attention does not equal recruiting

I understand NCAA Division I coaches cannot initiate recruiting contact until after June 15 following sophomore year

I understand the difference between being evaluated and being recruited

Who Can Contact My Athlete — and When

I understand NCAA Division I coaches have strict contact timelines

I understand NCAA Division II coaches may communicate earlier than D1

I understand NCAA Division III coaches have more flexibility (no athletic scholarships)

I understand NAIA coaches may contact athletes at any time in high school

I understand NJCAA coaches may contact athletes at any time

I understand early contact does not automatically mean scholarship offers

College Divisions & Scholarship Reality

I understand NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA divisions

I understand which divisions can offer athletic scholarships

I understand full scholarships are rare in track & field

I understand athletic performance qualifying standards

I understand fit matters more than division name

We are open to multiple college pathways

I understand Headcount vs Equivalency scholarships

Character, Discipline & Sacrifice

My athlete demonstrates discipline in daily habits

My athlete understands sacrifice is required

My athlete takes accountability and avoids excuses

My athlete is a positive influence on teammates

My athlete can be trusted by coaches and staff

Academics & Off-Track Readiness

My athlete is academically prepared for college

We understand academics matter as much as athletics

My athlete maintains a positive or neutral social media presence

My athlete avoids negativity or risky online behavior

Decision & Financial Awareness

We are not chasing guarantees

We understand scholarships are year-to-year, not lifetime promises

We understand athletes must continue to perform to keep scholarships

We value education before exposure

We seek honest guidance, even when difficult

What surprised you most while completing this checklist?

What questions do you currently have about your athlete’s recruiting path?