A Hip Pocket Guide to Athletic Recruiting and Scholarships

The goal of this book is to provide an overview of the college recruiting process by sharing knowledge that has helped me to secure NCAA Division I athletic scholarships for both of my sons, one in tennis and one in track and field. Collegiate recruiting is a business and a big business. The University of Texas' athletic ticket sales for the 2004-2005 academic year was $33,507,576. The football recruiting budget for the average Mid-American Conference (MAC) University is $90,000. For example, the Georgia Bulldogs spent $500,000 on football recruiting for its 2004 class. It will behoove any athlete to approach collegiate athletic recruiting as a business person. This book will explore several business gambits and teach strategies that will facilitate the achievement of your dream, an athletic scholarship . Learn how to negotiate from a position of power like a business person, rather than a high school athlete. . Learn how to be noticed by coaches. . Learn how to objectify your college visits and evaluations with a ranking system. . Learn what questions to ask while on campus visits. . Learn the academic requirements needed for athletic recruitment. . Learn where to find federally mandated crime statistics for individual universities. . Learn the advantages and disadvantages of early versus late recruiting dates. . Learn why red shirting can cost an athlete as much as $73,000. . Learn negotiation skills that facilitate opportunities. . Learn why you should not select a university solely on the basis of the coaching staff. . Learn how to do a self evaluation to identify your positioning in the recruiting market place. You do not have to be a blue chip athlete to secure a scholarship. With the proper knowledge you can create your own opportunities.