Collegiate athletic scholarships do not grow on trees, and not every big fish in a little pond is a scholarship class athlete. NCAA Division I coaches unlike high school coaches make their living from their position. They are only interested in those players who perform at a level that increases the likelihood that they will be seen as successful and that will improve their marketability when that next step up presents itself.

If you deem yourself to be this class of athlete, there are certain steps that you can take to make yourself more attractive to these college programs. The first is to play your sport at the highest possible level and as a member of the most recognized league and team in your area. The second is to seek private lessons from a reputable instructor, preferably a professional. Third is to involve yourself in a physical conditioning program that addresses all aspects of your sport and position. Finally, you must dedicate yourself to your high school education to maintain the best possible grades, prepare yourself adequately for the SAT of ACT, and foster a working relationship with your guidance counselor to help you navigate the application process, including the Clearing House, FAFSA, and all time lines.

College coaches are extremely limited as to recruitment by NCAA rules and regulations. They do not have much opportunity time-wise to travel throughout their region to see players in person or in regular season games, nor do they have the budget to afford this type of routine. To ensure you are seen it is a must to play with the best program in town. Such programs usually have the most recognized and known players, and they are usually involved in out-of-state and well received tournaments that do attract college scouts and coaches. Also, contrary to popular belief, most players will receive offers from in-state or neighboring state schools, and these are the coaches most likely to come to local tournaments. The dream of playing for the country's biggest names is reserved for the upper 1-2% of high school athletes.

College coaches, like professional scouts, are only interested in the best players on the field or the court, and they are trained to recognize these players on sight. The more sophisticated a player's skill level and the more developed his skill set, the more likely he is to attract the coach's eye and interest. This refinement of skills is best done under the routine tutelage of a trained professional who understands how

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