Scholarship Reality Checklist (v2.1) (ChatGPT#277)Athletic Scholarship Checklist (v2.1) An Honest Guide for Families Navigating the College Recruiting Process Coach’s PerspectiveCollege 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 NameLast NameAthlete Full NameCurrent Grade- Select -6789101112Athlete's Primary Event(s)Primary Event Group Sprints (100/200) Long Sprints (200/400) Hurdles Middle Distance Long Jump Triple Jump High Jump Discus Shot Put Weight Throw Javelin Pole Vault Race Walk OtherParent/Guardian EmailUnderstanding 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 memberAthlete 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 pressureRecruiting 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 recruitedWho 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 offersCollege 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 staffAcademics & 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 behaviorDecision & 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 difficultWhat surprised you most while completing this checklist?What questions do you currently have about your athlete’s recruiting path?Submit Scholarship Checklist Copy this page link your calendar, email, or text.