Sophomore Year Athletic Scholarship Checklist

Sophomore Year College Recruiting Checklist

The Sophomore year in High School for student athletes is one to hit the books, make sure you are on track, and in many ways resembles the Freshman Year from a checklist perspective.  Contacting recruiting college coaches, and making sure you are in line with NCAA Recruiting Rules are paramount, and establishing yourself as a top recruit for an athletic scholarship is your main priority in this recruiting checklist.

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Continue to focus on the grades, contribute to that GPA!!
All Year	Academics	Continue to take challenging classes, AP and Honors
All Year	Activities	Continue to focus on extra curriculars by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	All	Set goals for the year in both academics and athletics.
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the latest version of the  NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, check for changes
Fall	Recruiting	Review the latest NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Academics	Re-evaluate your target list of schools that offer your sport.
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
Winter	Academics	Make sure you are scheduled to take the PLAN and PSAT tests.
All Year	Athletics	Ask for additional evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Establish a Twitter Account, YouTube Account, Acceptable Email Address (no inappropriate words) and setup a BLOG.  If you don't have Facebook, do that as well.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Update accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Post Season	Recruiting	Establish contact with your target school coaches through email and by filling out candidate questionnaires
Post Season	Recruiting	Send a handwritten note on professional stationary to each coach and assistant coach at your targets schools.
Post Season	Recruiting	Organize your email folders with one for each school.  Make sure you place all your messages for that school into the folder.
Post Season	Recruiting	Create a Microsoft Excel Log for all communications with school representatives.  Include calls, email, Tweets, etc.
Summer	Athletics	Attend Nationally recognized camps and events for exposure.  If possible, attend a camp at a target school.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport
Summer	Academics	If available, take advantage of summer school to knock an additional class out, especially one that may require additional focus.
Summer	Recruiting	Contact coaches from your target list and visit campuses.  Coordinate with Coach/Athletic Staff, and inform of your desire to attend.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site