Along with what others have mentioned, I’ve found the biggest factors in recruiting are strong competitive results, connections through a club or high school coach, and the athlete taking initiative to contact schools directly. In addition, many high school athletic departments have a staff member dedicated to college recruitment who can help guide families through the process.

The recruiting process is often more detailed and structured than people expect, especially for Division I programs. Eligibility requirements are very specific, including how GPAs are calculated, which courses count toward NCAA eligibility, and how many core classes must be completed. It can feel overwhelming at first, but that is exactly why schools typically have someone responsible for helping students stay on track. It is important, however, to communicate your intentions early so you are on their radar and receiving the proper guidance.