The recruiting guide for families who'd rather not guess.
One playbook, every sport, zero fluff. What to do each grade,
what college coaches actually measure for your sport, how
your first email to a coach should read, and what disqualifies
a film inside 20 seconds. The recruiting calendar runs ahead of
everyone — families who plan early have leverage.
PICK YOUR SPORT
What sport do you play?
Tap your sport to jump to its measurables, division benchmarks,
and recruiting notes. Every sport ScoutStreak covers is here.
Every sport has a different rhythm, but the recruiting calendar
runs ahead of high school. Most divisions are evaluating juniors;
the deepest pipelines (football, basketball, baseball) start with
sophomores. The playbook below is the floor — sport-specific
notes live in the measurables section further down.
Freshman year
Get on the varsity / top travel-team film if you can. JV/B-team film doesn't recruit you.
Build a baseline strength + speed program. Re-test every 8 weeks.
Pick a camp / showcase / club circuit you can stick with for four years.
Protect your GPA. A 3.5 freshman year is the cheapest 3.5 you'll ever earn.
Sophomore year
Cut a 3-minute highlight tape from varsity film. Open with your best three plays.
Start a recruiting profile that hosts film, measurables, and transcript in one place.
Attend at least one college camp on a campus you'd actually want to attend.
Send introductory emails to D-III, D-II, NAIA programs in your region — they evaluate sophomores and the bar is lower.
Junior year
Junior film is the most important film of your career. Most offers come off junior-year tape.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center before the end of fall semester.
Take the SAT or ACT once. Even if you go test-optional, having a score on file expands your options.
Email coaches at programs that are realistic fits — use your ScoutStreak Score, not your dream school, to anchor the list.
Take 1–2 unofficial visits. Sit down with a position coach if possible.
Senior year
Update your highlight tape after your first month of senior film. Lead with senior plays.
Confirm your final transcript and test scores are with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
If you don't have an offer by November, broaden hard to D-III, NAIA, JUCO, and prep / postgraduate options.
Take official visits in winter / early spring if you're a late riser.
Don't sign the first offer just because it's an offer. A fit you don't want isn't a fit.
These are conservative public-recruiting benchmarks — the line
between "competitive prospect" and "developmental" at each tier.
Same data feeds the ScoutStreak Score. Pick your sport:
Measurable
FBS
FCS
D-II
D-III
Height
6'1"
6'0"
5'11"
5'10"
Weight
210 lb
195 lb
190 lb
180 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
2.5
3.0
40-yard dash
4.55 sec
4.7 sec
4.8 sec
4.95 sec
Bench press
315 lb
275 lb
245 lb
225 lb
Vertical
32 in
28 in
26 in
24 in
Football has the deepest scouting infrastructure of any high school sport — and the most competition. FBS staffs evaluate sophomores. The June 15 contact rule (D-I/D-II coaches can't initiate contact until after your sophomore year) governs the calendar. Camps on a campus you'd actually attend are worth ten regional combines.
Free resource — coach intro email
A football-specific first message.
Subject: 2027 CB · 5'11 175 · 4.45 laser · Hudl
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 cornerback at [High School] in [City, State]. 5'11, 175, 4.45 laser ([combine name], [date]), 3.6 GPA, 1180 SAT.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is the third-and-long PBU vs. [opponent]'s #1 WR.
I'd like to register for your [Camp Name] on [date] — I'm in driving range.
[Name] · [phone] · DC Coach [Name], [phone]
Always note hand-timed vs. laser-timed 40. Coaches discount unverified hand times in their head; if you have a laser time, name the event and date.
For OL / DL / TE, add wingspan or arm length if measured — programs weight these heavily at the line of scrimmage.
Name one specific camp and date. "I'd love to be on your camp list" reads generic; "register for the June 12 prospect camp" reads like a recruit who's done the homework.
Put your position coach's contact in the signature. Coaches verify recruits through coaches, not players.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of football film should show.
Open with a title card: name, position, school, class year, height, weight, verified 40, GPA.
Spotlight or arrow on your jersey number every play. They will not hunt for you.
5–8 second clips. Cut tight; start in motion if pre-snap doesn't tell a story.
Lead with three plays that show your position's signature skill (cheat sheet below).
No JV or B-team clips mixed in. One JV play and the rest of the tape gets discounted.
No music. Coaches mute it; if they have to mute before scouting, you've already lost their attention.
Full game film is for after they ask. Highlight tape decides whether they ask.
Opens with, by position:
QB
footwork in the pocket, throw on the move, decision under pressure
RB
vision through the LOS, contact balance, finish through tackles
WR
route stem, hands away from the body, run after catch vs. zone
TE
LOS block then release into the route, contested catch in traffic
OL
pad level on the first step, finish through the whistle, second-level blocks
DL
get-off, hand usage at the point of attack, motor through the whistle
LB
read-and-react keys, sideline-to-sideline range, tackling form
DB
hip flip, ball skills at the catch point, closing burst on the route
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key football windows.
June 15 (after sophomore year)
D-I / D-II coaches can initiate contact — calls, off-campus visits, recruiting material. Before this date you can email them; they can't respond directly.
April 15 – May 31
D-I spring evaluation period. Coaches can watch you in person; they cannot have recruiting conversations on the field.
September 1 – November 30
D-I fall evaluation period. Same in-person evaluation rules as spring.
Mid-December (3-day window)
Early signing period. Most FBS classes sign here.
Early February – early April
Regular signing period. If you're a late riser, this is your window.
Windows and dates shift slightly each cycle. Verify the current year's calendar at ncaa.org before scheduling around any of them.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
6'3"
6'1"
6'0"
6'0"
Weight
195 lb
185 lb
175 lb
175 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.0
2.5
Wingspan
79 in
76 in
74 in
74 in
Standing reach
100 in
96 in
94 in
94 in
Vertical
32 in
28 in
26 in
26 in
Basketball recruiting runs through AAU and EYBL exposure, not your high school season. The July live periods are when offers move. Height + wingspan + standing reach > everything else; a 6'4 guard with a 6'10 wingspan plays bigger than a 6'6 guard with a 6'4 wingspan, and college coaches recruit the longer one every time.
Free resource — coach intro email
A basketball-specific first message.
Subject: 2027 PG · 6'2 180 · 75" wingspan · Hudl
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 point guard at [High School] in [City, State], playing AAU for [Team Name] on the [EYBL / Adidas Gauntlet / Under Armour Association] circuit. 6'2, 180, 75" wingspan, 8'2" standing reach. 3.5 GPA, 1190 SAT.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is the late-shot-clock create vs. [opponent] at [event].
I'll be at [next event] [date] — court schedule attached.
[Name] · [phone] · Club coach [Name], [phone]
Height alone isn't the headline anymore. Verified wingspan and standing reach matter as much — include both.
Name your AAU program and shoe-circuit affiliation (EYBL / Adidas Gauntlet / Under Armour Association). Coaches scout circuits, not high schools.
Send your court schedule for upcoming events with date and court number. Coaches plan their evaluation windows by circuit weekend, not by individual player.
Club coach contact in the signature. They're the gatekeeper to college contact — staffs verify through them before responding.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of basketball film should show.
Lead with three plays that show your position's signature skill — see cheat sheet.
AAU / EYBL film recruits you faster than high school film. Use it if you have it.
5–8 second clips. Tight cuts, no music.
Spotlight or arrow on your jersey number every clip. In a 10-player frame, they will not hunt for you.
Title card: name, position, class year, height (with shoes and without), wingspan, standing reach, school.
Show defensive plays. Hype-only offensive reels get muted; defense is often the tiebreaker.
Full game film is for after they ask. Don't lead with it.
Opens with, by position:
PG
handle under ball pressure, court vision (kick-out vs. drive), shot creation off the bounce
SG
catch-and-shoot mechanics, off-ball movement, defensive footwork on screens
SF
switchability on defense, mid-range from the elbow, 3-and-D reliability
PF
screen-and-roll execution, rebound positioning, finishing through contact
C
rim protection, screen angle and hold, hands at the catch around the rim
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key basketball windows.
April + July live periods (D-I)
NCAA-designated AAU evaluation windows. The highest-leverage exposure days of the year. Exact dates publish annually.
June 15 — sophomore → junior (men's D-I)
Coaches can initiate calls and texts. Before this, you can email; they can't respond directly.
September 1 — junior year (women's D-I)
Different from men's rule. Confirm the current year's window if you're recruiting on the women's side.
Mid-November (early signing period)
Most D-I commitments sign here.
April – May (regular signing period)
Second window, including grad transfers.
Live-period dates, contact windows, and signing periods shift annually and differ between men's and women's basketball. Confirm at ncaa.org before scheduling around any of them.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
JUCO
Height
6'0"
5'11"
5'10"
5'11"
Weight
185 lb
175 lb
170 lb
175 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.0
2.0
Exit velocity
90 mph
85 mph
80 mph
85 mph
Fastball velocity
88 mph
82 mph
78 mph
84 mph
60-yard dash
6.9 sec
7.1 sec
7.3 sec
7 sec
The Perfect Game and showcase circuit drives recruiting. Verified exit velo, FB velo, and 60 time matter more than your high school stats. JUCO is a legitimate path — many MLB draftees come through a JUCO program first.
I'm a 2027 RHP at [High School] in [City, State], pitching club ball for [Travel Team] on the Perfect Game circuit. 6'3, 190. FB sits 87–89, T91 ([PG event, date]). 60-yard 6.95. 3.5 GPA.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is a 6-pitch K vs. [opponent]'s 3-hole hitter at [event].
I'll be at [PG event] [date]. PG profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Pitching coach [Name], [phone]
Verified FB velo from a known event is the headline. Name the event and date — coaches discount unverified bullpen radar by 2–3 mph in their head.
Include your Perfect Game / Prep Baseball Report profile link. That's the verification layer college staffs check first.
Position players: lead with verified exit velo, 60-yard, and pop time (catchers) or arm-across-diamond velo (infielders).
JUCO is a legitimate path — many MLB draftees come through a JUCO program first. If you're open to it, say so. JUCO coaches read JUCO-explicit emails first.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of baseball film should show.
Pitchers: open with three strike-one fastballs in different counts. Then sequence (FB / off-speed / putaway).
Hitters: three quality at-bats showing approach. Game ABs over batting-practice clips.
Catchers: pop times with stopwatch overlay, blocks, throws to second.
Infielders: range to both sides, throws across the diamond, double-play turn.
Outfielders: route to the ball, throws home / to a base, plate ABs.
Title card: name, position, class year, height, weight, verified velos / times, GPA, school.
Skip music. Skip JV. Skip anything not at game speed.
Opens with, by position:
P
FB velo + command, off-speed deception, finish to the third strike
C
pop time, blocking, soft hands at the catch, throws to second
IF
arm strength across the diamond, range, glove-to-throw transfer
OF
route to the ball, throwing arm, plate approach as a hitter
Hitter
exit velo, bat path through the zone, situational AB awareness
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key baseball windows.
Summer + fall (PG / PBR circuit)
The primary exposure layer. PG WWBA East and West Championships are the highest-attended.
August 1 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Coaches can initiate calls and texts. Until then, you can email; they can't respond directly.
Junior fall
Most D-I offers move during this window after summer PG circuit performance.
Mid-November (early signing period)
D-I and NJCAA sign here.
April – August 1 (regular signing period)
Second window. JUCO commitments often happen here.
Verify current PG circuit dates at pgbaseball.com and NCAA signing-period dates at ncaa.org each cycle. The August 1 contact rule applies to D-I; D-II and D-III have separate windows.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
5'8"
5'6"
5'5"
5'5"
Weight
150 lb
145 lb
140 lb
140 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.2
2.5
40-yard dash
4.7 sec
4.9 sec
5 sec
4.95 sec
5-0-5 shuttle
2.35 sec
2.45 sec
2.5 sec
2.5 sec
ECNL and MLS NEXT are the exposure tiers. Your club coach is often the gatekeeper to your college coach contact — they're the ones who get the email read first. ID camps in late summer / early fall are the highest-leverage events.
Free resource — coach intro email
A soccer-specific first message.
Subject: 2027 CM · 5'10 · ECNL · Hudl + GPS data
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 center midfielder at [High School] in [City, State], playing club for [Team] in the [ECNL / MLS NEXT / USL Academy] [conference]. 5'10, 155, right-footed.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is the third-line-break pass vs. [opponent] at [showcase].
I'll be at the [ECNL showcase / ID camp] [date]. Club schedule: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Club coach [Name], [phone]
Name your league and division — ECNL Boys / Girls, MLS NEXT, USL Academy, USYS National League. Coaches scout by league, not high school team.
Club coach contact in the signature. They're the gatekeeper — staffs verify through them before responding directly.
Specify your dominant foot and any GPS / physical data you have (sprint speed, distance covered, max heart rate). Many ECNL clubs now share this.
Reference a specific upcoming ID camp or showcase by name and date. ID camps in late summer / early fall are the highest-leverage events of the cycle.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of soccer film should show.
3 minutes max. Lead with three plays showing your position's signature action (cheat sheet).
Use match film, not training reels. Training footage gets discounted.
5–8 second clips. Show the action AND the consequence (the pass landed, the tackle won possession).
Title card: name, position, class year, club, dominant foot, height, GPA.
Include defensive work and off-ball runs — most highlight reels skip these and lose credibility.
Spotlight your jersey on every clip.
Opens with, by position:
GK
distribution under pressure, claim on crosses, command of the back four
CB
aerial dominance, recovery speed, build-up passing under press
scan frequency, receive on the half-turn, range of passing
W
1v1 isolation, finishing or end-product, defensive work rate
ST
movement in the box, hold-up play, finish under pressure
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key soccer windows.
Fall + winter (ECNL / MLS NEXT showcases)
Primary national exposure events. ECNL Phoenix and Florida showcases are the most attended.
Late summer – early fall (ID camps)
Highest-leverage period for being seen by the specific staff you want to play for.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Coaches can initiate contact. Until then, you can email; they can't respond directly.
Late fall – early winter (junior year)
Most D-I commitments move during this window.
November + April – August (signing windows)
NLI early and regular signing periods.
ECNL, MLS NEXT, and USL Academy event calendars publish annually. Verify dates at theecnl.com, mlssoccer.com/mlsnext, or your league's site, and NCAA contact / signing rules at ncaa.org.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
6'1"
5'11"
5'10"
5'10"
Weight
155 lb
150 lb
145 lb
145 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.2
2.5
Approach jump
36 in
30 in
26 in
26 in
Block jump
34 in
28 in
24 in
24 in
Club volleyball is the exposure tier; high school season is secondary. Triple Crown, AAU Nationals, and the Tour of Texas are where college coaches scout. Approach jump and block touch matter as much as height — verified jump numbers on tape are non-negotiable.
Free resource — coach intro email
A volleyball-specific first message.
Subject: 2027 OH · 6'1 · 10'2" approach · Hudl
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 outside hitter at [High School] in [City, State], playing club for [Club Name] in [USAV region]. 6'1, approach jump 10'2", block touch 9'10". 3.7 GPA.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is a third-set out-of-system kill vs. [opponent] at [tournament].
I'll be at [tournament] [date]. Court schedule attached.
[Name] · [phone] · Club coach [Name], [phone]
Verified approach jump and block touch are non-negotiable. Include both with the source (when and where measured).
Name your club and USAV region. Coaches scout by club and region, not by high school team.
Send a court schedule with date, court, and pool for upcoming tournaments. Coaches plan evaluation by event, not by player.
Position-specific stats matter: kills per set + hitting % for OH/OPP, blocks per set for MB, assists per set for setters, dig and pass stats for libero.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of volleyball film should show.
Use club film, not high school. The level differential is too obvious to fake.
3 minutes, 5–8 second clips, no music.
Lead with three plays at your position's signature action (cheat sheet).
Title card: name, position, class year, club, USAV region, height, verified approach jump + block touch, GPA.
Hitters: show defensive plays. Liberos / DS: show serve receive in pressure rotations. Coaches mute pure offense reels.
Mark your jersey number on every clip.
Opens with, by position:
OH
swing variety, defense out of system, serve-receive pass quality
OPP
blocking left-handed hitters, kill efficiency out of system, back-row attack
MB
block read speed, slide footwork, attack tempo to the setter
S
hand setting under pressure, set location, decision tree at the net
The highest-attended college recruiting event of the year. Most D-I commitments crystallize off this event.
November (Triple Crown NIT)
One of the next-most-attended national exposure events.
February (Tour of Texas)
Major early-cycle national exposure event.
June – August (college ID camps)
Highest-leverage if a specific staff is on your list.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Coaches can initiate contact. Until then, you can email; they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
AAU, Triple Crown, and Tour of Texas calendars publish annually. Verify dates at the event organizer's site. The June 15 contact rule applies to D-I — confirm at ncaa.org for the current year's window.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
5'8"
5'6"
5'4"
5'4"
Weight
150 lb
140 lb
135 lb
135 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.2
2.5
100m
10.6 sec
11 sec
11.2 sec
11.1 sec
200m
21.5 sec
22.5 sec
23 sec
22.8 sec
400m
48 sec
50.5 sec
52 sec
51 sec
Track is the cleanest recruiting market in college athletics — PRs are PRs. Indoor PRs in winter often decide spring offers. Event specialization beats versatility; coaches recruit your best two events, not your range.
Free resource — coach intro email
A track & field-specific first message.
Subject: 2027 LJ / 100m · 22'6 / 10.78 FAT · video
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 long jumper and 100m sprinter at [High School] in [City, State]. PRs: LJ 22'6 (FAT, [meet, date]), 100m 10.78 (FAT, [meet, date]). 3.6 GPA, 1170 SAT.
Race / jump video: [link]. First clip is the LJ PR jump at [meet].
Indoor schedule and training meets through April: [link or list].
[Name] · [phone] · Sprints coach [Name], [phone]
Always specify FAT (fully-automatic timing) vs. hand-timed. Coaches discount hand times by 0.24s automatically. If your time is hand-timed, say so.
Lead with PRs in your top two events. Coaches recruit specialists; "I do everything" reads developmental.
Cite the meet and date for every PR. PRs are PRs only if verifiable.
Distance runners: include a Strava / training log link. The trend matters as much as the single PR.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of track & field film should show.
Sprints + field events: three quality reps with FAT timing or measurement overlay.
Distance: a race that shows tactics (kick, surge response) and form at PR pace.
Jumps / throws: a clean technical rep AND your PR attempt, even if mechanics aren't perfect on the PR.
Title card: name, events, class year, PRs with timing source, GPA, school.
Skip the highlight-reel music. Indoor PR clips in winter often crystallize spring offers.
technique cleanliness, release angle, finish through
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key track & field windows.
December – March (indoor season)
Indoor PRs often crystallize spring offers, especially in shorter events.
March – June (outdoor season)
Primary recruiting season — outdoor PRs matter most.
State + regional + national meets
Top-end exposure: NB Indoor / Outdoor Nationals, USATF Junior Olympics. For XC: NXN and Foot Locker Nationals in late fall.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Coaches can initiate contact. Until then, you can email; they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Indoor and outdoor meet calendars vary by state and association (NFHS / USATF / AAU). Verify NCAA contact and signing windows at ncaa.org.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
5'11"
5'11"
5'10"
5'10"
Weight
180 lb
175 lb
170 lb
170 lb
GPA (min)
2.7
2.5
3.2
2.5
40-yard dash
4.7 sec
4.85 sec
4.95 sec
4.95 sec
Shot speed
80 mph
75 mph
72 mph
72 mph
Lacrosse is a relationship sport — your club coach is often the gatekeeper to your college coach contact. The IL Recruiting Top 205, Adrenaline showcases, and IWLCA national events are the primary exposure layer. NCAA Bylaw 13.1.3.1 changed the contact rule in 2017: D-I coaches cannot initiate contact until September 1 of junior year — earlier than most other sports.
I'm a 2027 midfielder at [High School] in [City, State], playing club for [Team] in [region / circuit]. 5'11, 175, 4.65 FAT 40 ([combine, date]), shot speed 82 mph ([radar source, date]). 3.6 GPA, 1180 SAT.
Junior film: [Hudl link]. First clip is the transition goal vs. [opponent] at [tournament].
I'll be at [next event] [date]. IL Recruiting profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Club coach [Name], [phone]
Verified shot speed (radar source + date) is a critical signal at attack and midfield. Programs index hard on it; an unverified mph number gets discounted.
Name your club program (Crabs, M&D, True, 91, FCA) and the recruiting circuit you play. Coaches scout by circuit, not high school.
Mid / attack players: include ground balls per game and clear-to-turnover ratio. Defensive players: include caused turnovers per game.
Send your IL Recruiting or NCSA profile as the verification layer. Coaches check these before responding directly.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of lacrosse film should show.
3 min, 5–8 second clips, no music.
Lead with three plays at your position's signature action (cheat sheet).
Use club tournament film. High school film gets discounted relative to club at the D-I level.
Show ground balls and 50/50 plays — coaches scout effort plays as hard as goals.
Title card: name, position, class year, club, height, weight, verified shot speed, verified 40, GPA.
Goalies: include save percentage from full games, not just highlight saves.
Spotlight your jersey number on every clip.
Opens with, by position:
Attack
dodging variety, off-ball cuts, inside finishing under pressure
Midfield
two-way play, transition speed, ground balls won in traffic
Defense
footwork, body position at GLE, takeaway checks
LSM
ground balls, transition runs, takeaway in open field
FOGO
clamp, get-off speed, wing-play coordination
Goalie
save percentage, clearing accuracy, on-field communication
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key lacrosse windows.
June – August (summer club season)
Primary exposure layer. IL Recruiting Top 205, Adrenaline Black Card Showcase, Maverik Showtime (men's); IWLCA Champions Cup, Capital Cup, Philadelphia events (women's).
September 1 — junior year (D-I)
Contact window opens. Lacrosse-specific: D-I coaches cannot initiate contact before this date (NCAA Bylaw 13.1.3.1, changed from June 15 in 2017).
Fall recruiting (Sept – Nov, junior year)
Most D-I commitments crystallize during this window.
Mid-November (early signing period)
NLI signing period.
April – August (regular signing period)
Second signing window.
Lacrosse follows NCAA Bylaw 13.1.3.1 — D-I coaches cannot initiate contact until September 1 of junior year (changed from June 15 in 2017). Verify the current calendar at ncaa.org and event organizer sites (illacrossemag.com, iwlca.org).
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
5'8"
5'8"
5'7"
5'7"
Weight
165 lb
165 lb
165 lb
165 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.0
2.5
Wrestling is weight-class based — the 165 lb number in the table is just a representative middle class; the real recruiting signal is your state placement and national tournament results (NHSCA, Super 32, FloNationals). Coaches scout off FloWrestling and USA Wrestling profiles, not high school records alone. NCAA Bylaw 13.1.3 (June 15 after sophomore year) governs the contact window for D-I.
I'm a 2027 wrestler at [High School] in [City, State], wrestling 165 (projected 174 by senior year). 4-year varsity, 3x state qualifier, 5th at [State Open]. Recent results: 12-5 at [NHSCA / Super 32, date]. 3.6 GPA, 1180 SAT.
Match film: [Hudl / FloWrestling link]. First clip is the late-period reverse in the [Tournament] semifinal.
I'll be at [next big tournament] [date]. FloWrestling profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · HS Coach [Name], [phone]
Lead with state placement and three or four biggest national tournament results. These are the verifiable currency in wrestling — more signal than a raw W-L record.
Note your weight-class trajectory (current class + projected senior class). Coaches care where you'll cut to as a freshman, not just what you wrestle now.
Send your FloWrestling, USA Wrestling, or NHSCA profile as the verification layer. Coaches check these before responding.
Mention major tournaments by name: NHSCA Nationals, Super 32, Powerade, Beast of the East, FloNationals. Coaches scout these directly.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of wrestling film should show.
Show full matches, not just takedowns. Coaches scout how you wrestle from neutral AND bottom.
Lead with three sequences against top-tier opponents — even if you lost. A close loss to a ranked wrestler is evaluable signal.
Include opponent names and rankings (state rank, national rank) in clip metadata.
Title card: name, weight class, class year, school, state placement, biggest tournament finishes.
Skip music. Skip pin-only highlight reels — coaches need to see technique against good kids.
3 to 5 minutes max. Cut tight; show full sequences, not isolated takedowns.
Opens with, by position:
Neutral
setups into takedowns, level changes, defensive wrestling vs. high-shot
Top
ride, breakdown, mat returns, control time
Bottom
stand-up escapes, switches, recovery from being mat-returned
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key wrestling windows.
November – February (HS folkstyle season)
Primary recruiting season. Tournament placements during this window crystallize offers.
December – January (national tournaments)
Beast of the East, Powerade, Mid-Atlantic Classic. Major exposure for D-I coaches.
February – March (state tournaments)
State placement is the headline signal for most D-I programs.
March (NHSCA Nationals)
The highest-profile postseason HS event in the country.
Spring + summer (freestyle / Greco)
USA Wrestling national events. Continued exposure if you wrestle the international styles.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I/D-II)
Coaches can initiate contact. Until then, you can email; they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
NCAA Bylaw 13.1.3 (June 15 contact rule) applies to D-I and D-II wrestling. Major tournament dates publish annually — verify at flowrestling.com, usawrestling.com, or the event organizer.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
5'7"
5'6"
5'5"
5'5"
Weight
145 lb
140 lb
135 lb
135 lb
GPA (min)
2.5
2.5
3.0
2.5
Pitch speed (pitchers)
62 mph
58 mph
55 mph
56 mph
Exit velocity (hitters)
70 mph
66 mph
62 mph
63 mph
Pop time (catchers)
1.85 sec
1.95 sec
2.05 sec
2 sec
Softball is club-driven — PGF (Premier Girls Fastpitch) Nationals in late June / early July is the single most-watched recruiting event of the year. Verified pitch speed and exit velocity from PGF / Extra Inning events are the headline measurables. The 2018 D-I rule change pushed contact back to September 1 of junior year specifically to slow early commitments — softball commits late now compared to its history.
I'm a 2027 left-handed pitcher at [High School] in [City, State], playing club for [Travel Team] on the PGF circuit. 5'9, 145. FB sits 62–64 ([radar source, date]). Full mix: change, drop, rise. 3.7 GPA, 1180 SAT.
Game film: [Hudl link]. First clip is a 3-pitch K vs. [opponent]'s 3-hole hitter at [PGF event].
I'll be at [PGF event] [date]. PG Softball profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Pitching coach [Name], [phone]
Verified pitch speed from a known event is the headline. Name the event, date, and radar source — coaches discount unverified bullpen radar by 2–3 mph in their head.
Position players: lead with verified exit velo (hitters), pop time (catchers), or home-to-first time (slappers).
Slappers: call it out explicitly. Slapping is a recruited skill — programs build their roster around it.
Send your PG Softball / Extra Inning / Softball America profile as the verification layer. Coaches check these before responding.
Mention specific PGF / FAB 50 / Triple Crown events you'll be at. Coaches plan evaluation by event, not by player.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of softball film should show.
Pitchers: open with three first-pitch strikes against different hitters, then a strikeout sequence (FB + off-speed mix).
Hitters: three quality ABs showing approach. Game ABs over BP cuts.
Slappers: include drag-bunt singles, slap-and-runs, and weak-side hits that pull the OF in.
Catchers: pop times with stopwatch overlay, blocks, framing on borderline pitches.
Infielders / outfielders: range to both sides, throws across or home, plate ABs.
Title card: name, position(s), class year, height, weight, verified velos / times, GPA, club program.
Skip music. Skip travel-ball-only footage if you have PGF event film — PGF event film recruits you faster.
Opens with, by position:
P
windmill mechanics, off-speed deception, finish to the third strike
C
pop time, blocking, framing borderline pitches, throws to second
IF
range to both sides, glove-to-throw transfer, arm across the diamond
OF
route to the ball, arm strength, plate approach as a hitter
exit velo, bat path through the zone, in-zone pitch selection
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key softball windows.
Late June – early July (PGF Nationals)
The single most-watched recruiting event of the year. Most D-I commitments crystallize off this event.
October – November (fall club season)
Major exposure events — PGF Fall Frenzy, Triple Crown fall championships, Atlanta Legacy.
February – March (spring club tournaments)
Pre-PGF national exposure season. Strong tournament performance here builds momentum into summer.
March – June (HS spring season)
Primary high school competition window. Varies by state.
September 1 — junior year (D-I)
Contact window opens. Softball got a 2018 D-I-specific delay to slow ultra-early commitments — coaches can't initiate recruiting contact before this date.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Softball D-I follows the September 1 junior-year contact rule (the 2018 reform addressing early commitments). Verify the current calendar at ncaa.org, premiergirlsfastpitch.com, pgsoftball.com, and tcsfastpitch.com.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
Height
6'0"
5'11"
5'10"
5'10"
Weight
185 lb
180 lb
175 lb
175 lb
GPA (min)
2.7
2.5
3.2
2.5
Hockey is unique — most D-I freshmen are 19-20 after playing 1-3 years of junior hockey (USHL, NAHL, NTDP, BCHL, USPHL Premier). D-I scouting happens off junior league film and stats, not HS film. D-II hockey is sparse (Holy Cross is one of very few men's programs). D-III ranks include NESCAC and academic-heavy programs with stringent GPA expectations. The NAIA column is a placeholder — men's NAIA hockey is effectively nonexistent at scale.
I'm a 2027 right wing playing [Tier 1 U-16 / U-18 / USHL / NAHL / USPHL Premier] for [Team] in the [league]. 6'0, 180. This season: 41-26-67 in 52 GP, plus-22, [PIM] PIM.
Game film: [Hudl / Elite Prospects link]. First clip is the late-PP goal vs. [opponent].
I'll be at [USHL combine / next showcase / USA Hockey Festival] [date]. Elite Prospects profile: [link]. USHR profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Head coach [Name], [phone]
Lead with your junior or U-17 / U-18 stats — not high school. D-I coaches recruit almost exclusively off Tier 1, USHL, NAHL, NTDP, and elite junior film.
Name your league and team explicitly. Coaches know the level differential — USHL > NAHL > BCHL > USPHL Premier > Tier 1 U-18, roughly.
Send Elite Prospects + USHR (United States Hockey Report) profiles as the verification layer. These are the standard scouting databases.
Mention USA Hockey Select 16/17 Festival, NTDP camps, or World Junior A Challenge participation by name if applicable. These are the development-track signals coaches scout.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of hockey film should show.
Use junior or top youth game film, not high school — D-I coaches recruit almost entirely off junior film.
3-4 minutes max. Show full sequences (zone entries, defensive coverage, transitions) — not just goals.
Include both even-strength and special teams (PP / PK) clips. Coaches scout role versatility.
Title card: name, position, class year, height, weight, league + team, season stats (GP, G, A, +/-), GPA.
Goalies: show full saves with movement between shots. Include high-danger saves and rebound control sequences.
Spotlight your jersey number on every clip. No music.
Opens with, by position:
C
faceoff percentage, two-way play, defensive zone responsibility
W (LW / RW)
puck protection on the boards, forecheck pressure, finish at the net
D
gap control, first-pass breakouts, defensive zone coverage
G
rebound control, lateral movement, puck-handling outside the crease
Top development showcase for younger players on the national-team development pipeline.
Spring (USHL Combine + drafts)
USHL Combine and Tier 1 draft windows. Major movement event for top USHL prospects.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Standard NCAA contact rule. Coaches can initiate after this date; before, you can email but they can't respond.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Hockey D-I commitments rarely happen straight from high school — most players play 1-3 years of junior (USHL, NAHL, BCHL, NTDP) before arriving on campus. Junior league performance, not high school stats, drives D-I recruiting. Verify junior league schedules at theushl.com, nahl.com, ushr.com, eliteprospects.com.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
GPA (min)
3.0
2.8
3.5
2.5
50 free (SCY)
21.0
22.0
22.5
22.5
100 free (SCY)
46.0
48.0
49.5
49.5
200 free (SCY)
1:42.0
1:45.5
1:48.0
1:48.0
100 fly (SCY)
50.0
52.0
54.0
54.0
100 back (SCY)
50.0
52.0
54.0
54.0
100 breast (SCY)
56.0
58.5
60.0
60.0
200 IM (SCY)
1:52.0
1:56.0
2:00.0
2:00.0
Swimming is a times sport — your recruiting headline is your SCY (short course yards) PRs in your top 2-3 events. NCAA scores SCY, so SCY times drive recruiting; LCM (long course meters) times verify summer development. The times in this table are conservative men's reference floors; women's recruiting follows the same structure with proportionally slower times. Verify in Swimcloud or USA Swimming's database. D-III GPA expectations skew higher than the 3.5 floor shown — NESCAC and Ivy programs typically expect 3.7+.
Premier summer development meet. LCM PRs here often crystallize fall offers.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Standard NCAA contact rule. Coaches can initiate after this date; before, you can email but they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Times in the benchmark table are men's SCY reference floors. Women's recruiting follows the same structure with proportionally slower times. Verify current Junior Nationals / Sectionals dates at usaswimming.org and cross-event Power Index normalization at swimcloud.com.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
GPA (min)
3.0
2.8
3.5
2.5
UTR (singles)
12.0+
9.5+
7.5+
7.5+
UTR (doubles)
11.0+
9.0+
7.0+
7.0+
TRN ranking tier
4–5 star
3–4 star
2–3 star
2–3 star
1st serve
110+ mph
100+ mph
90+ mph
90+ mph
Tennis is a UTR sport — Universal Tennis Rating is the universal currency, and coaches translate everything else against UTR first. TRN (Tennis Recruiting Network) ranking is the secondary US-side signal; international players are scouted via ITF Junior World Tour ranking. UTR thresholds here are men's reference floors; women's UTR thresholds run slightly lower at each tier (top D-I women's typically 10-11 UTR). D-III GPA expectations skew higher at NESCAC and Ivy programs — typically 3.7+.
I'm a 2027 player at [High School] in [City, State], training at [Academy / club]. UTR 12.8 singles, 11.2 doubles. TRN 4-star. ITF U-18 ranking [#]. Recent results: SF at [ITF event, date], R16 at Eddie Herr.
Match video: [link]. First clip is the 2nd-set tiebreak vs. [ranked opponent] at [event].
I'll be at [next ITF / USTA event] [date]. ITF profile: [link]. TRN profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Coach [Name], [phone]
Lead with UTR — it's the universal currency. Coaches translate every other ranking against UTR first, so put it in the subject line.
Include both singles and doubles UTR. Doubles UTR matters especially for programs that recruit doubles specialists.
Cite tournament results with the round reached, opponent's UTR or ranking, and final scores. Coaches scout the level of competition more than the win itself.
Note your TRN ranking (Tennis Recruiting Network is the US recruiting database — 5-star / 4-star tier is the language coaches use).
International players: ITF Junior Tour ranking + any Grand Slam Junior participation is the verification layer.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of tennis film should show.
Match film, not training. Coaches need to see how you compete under pressure.
3-5 minutes max. Lead with 2nd-set or 3rd-set sequences against ranked opponents — closing matters more than blowouts.
Show points across the court — serves (1st + 2nd), returns, net play. Not just baseline rallies.
Title card: name, class year, UTR (singles + doubles), TRN ranking, ITF junior ranking if applicable, top tournament results.
Doubles film: full points showing serve patterns, return positioning, net coverage with partner.
Skip music. Court-side camera angle (TennisRecruiting / PlaySight-style) so coaches can read footwork and shot placement.
Opens with, by position:
Baseliner
groundstroke depth, court coverage, point construction over 8+ shot rallies
All-court
transition game, willingness to come forward, mid-court attacking shots
Big server
1st-serve %, serve-plus-one patterns, free points off the serve
Doubles specialist
serve location into doubles, net coverage with partner, return depth
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key tennis windows.
Year-round (ITF Junior World Tour)
Ongoing international circuit. Recruits playing the ITF tour build their ranking continuously, not by season.
December (Orange Bowl + Eddie Herr)
Premier year-end ITF junior events. Major coach attendance — most D-I commitments crystallize around these tournaments.
January (Australian Open Juniors)
Grand Slam Junior. Highest-profile international stage of the cycle.
March – April (Easter Bowl)
Major combined USTA + ITF event. Strong domestic-coach attendance.
June – September (Grand Slam Juniors)
French Open Juniors, Wimbledon Juniors, US Open Juniors. Verifies top-end ranking.
Spring + summer (USTA sectional + national)
Primary US recruiting circuit. TRN star ratings track these results.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Standard NCAA contact rule. Coaches can initiate after this date; before, you can email but they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
UTR rating updates dynamically with each match — verify current UTR at universaltennis.com. Tournament dates publish annually at usta.com (USTA) and itftennis.com (ITF). NCAA contact and signing windows: ncaa.org.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
GPA (min)
3.0
2.8
3.5
2.5
Scoring avg (18-hole)
≤74
≤76
≤78
≤78
JGS national rank
Top 250
Top 750
Top 1500
Top 1500
USGA handicap
≤2
≤4
≤6
≤6
Golf is data-driven — tournament scoring average is the headline, with JGS (Junior Golf Scoreboard) ranking as the secondary signal. AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) is the primary US junior tour; WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) is the elite layer above for top-end recruits. USGA handicap index is the standard handicap reference — coaches discount inflated home-course handicaps. Scoring averages here are men's reference floors; women's recruiting follows the same structure with proportionally higher per-round scores.
I'm a 2027 player at [High School] in [City, State]. 18-hole scoring avg 73.2 (tournament season), USGA handicap +0.5. JGS national rank #112. 5x AJGA Invitational qualifier.
Recent results: T4 at [AJGA event], made cut at US Junior Amateur, low 67 at [tournament]. Trackman / round data: [link]. Driving avg 296, GIR 67%, scrambling 58%, 29.4 putts/round.
Round video: [link]. First hole shows the par-5 second shot to set up the eagle look at [event].
I'll be at [AJGA event] [date]. JGS profile: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · Swing coach [Name], [phone]
Lead with tournament scoring average — official rounds only. Casual or non-USGA-rated rounds get heavily discounted.
Cite AJGA event results by name, finish position, and field strength. AJGA Invitationals + Championships outrank AJGA Opens, which outrank non-AJGA local events.
Use your USGA handicap index, not your home-course handicap. They often differ by 2+ strokes; coaches know this.
Include a stat breakdown: driving distance + dispersion, GIR %, scrambling %, putts/round. Modern golf recruiting is data-driven.
WAGR ranking (if you have one — typically top 1000 globally) is the elite verification layer for top-end D-I.
Free resource — film checklist
What 3 minutes of golf film should show.
Tournament round video, not range / practice footage. Coaches scout how you play, not how you hit.
Show full holes across the round — front 9 + back 9 — not just highlight shots. Course management and pace under pressure are the read.
Include shot-tracker overlays if you have them (Trackman, GCQuad, Arccos). Modern verification layer.
Title card: name, class year, scoring average (tournament rounds), JGS rank, USGA handicap index, top AJGA results.
Short-game clips: include varied lies (rough, fringe, sand) and pressure putts. The 30 yards in matters more than the 300 yards out.
Skip music. Course-side perspective with a shot-tracker or scoring overlay if possible.
Opens with, by position:
Power player
driving distance + dispersion, approach into par 5s, scoring on par 5s
Precision player
fairway %, GIR %, course management on long par 4s
Short-game specialist
scrambling %, sand save %, up-and-down rate, putts per round
Mental closer
final-round scoring vs. field, comeback performance, scoring after a bogey
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key golf windows.
February – November (AJGA season)
Primary US junior tour. AJGA Invitationals draw top-tier coach attendance.
July (US Junior Amateur)
USGA-run major junior event. Qualifying through US Junior is a top-end recruiting signal.
August (US Amateur + Junior PGA)
US Amateur skews older / professional caliber; Junior PGA Championship is the PGA-run premier junior event.
Late summer / fall (AJGA Polo + Optimist Int'l)
Two of the highest-attended AJGA Invitationals + Optimist International Junior. Major coach turnout.
Spring + fall (HS golf season)
Varies by state. Secondary to AJGA / USGA junior events for D-I recruiting; primary for D-III / NAIA.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Standard NCAA contact rule. Coaches can initiate after this date; before, you can email but they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Scoring averages reference tournament rounds (AJGA / USGA-rated events), not casual rounds. USGA handicap index is the standard reference. Verify the AJGA schedule at ajga.org, JGS rankings at juniorgolfscoreboard.com, and WAGR rankings at wagr.com. NCAA contact and signing windows: ncaa.org.
Measurable
D-I
D-II
D-III
NAIA
GPA (min)
3.0
2.8
3.5
2.5
5K XC PR
≤15:30
≤16:00
≤16:30
≤16:30
3200m PR
≤9:30
≤9:50
≤10:10
≤10:10
Weekly mileage
60+ mpw
50+ mpw
40+ mpw
40+ mpw
Cross country and distance track travel together — most XC programs recruit you for both XC and 1600m/3200m/5000m track, so your 5K XC PR and 3200m track PR are paired signals. NXN (Nike Cross Nationals) and Eastbay Cross Country Championships are the headline HS-age national events. Weekly mileage is included as an aerobic-base screen; coaches use it as a rough developmental signal. 5K PRs are men's reference floors; women's XC recruiting follows the same structure with proportionally slower times (~17:30 HS 5K for D-I).
I'm a 2027 distance runner at [High School] in [City, State], training with [Club / coach]. PRs: 5K XC 15:42 FAT ([meet, date]), 3200m 9:38 FAT ([meet, date]), 1600m 4:22 FAT ([meet, date]). Currently averaging 65 mpw with a 75-mile peak.
Race video: [link]. First clip is the 5K PR closing 800 at [meet].
I'll be at [NXN regional / state XC] [date]. MileSplit: [link]. Athletic.net: [link]. Strava: [link].
[Name] · [phone] · HS Coach [Name], [phone]
Always specify FAT (fully-automatic timing) vs. hand-timed. Coaches discount hand-timed 5K races by ~3 seconds in their head.
Include both XC (5K) PRs and track distance (3200m + 1600m) PRs. Most XC programs recruit you for distance track too — the speed signal matters as much as the aerobic one.
Cite the meet and date for every PR. PRs are verifiable on MileSplit and Athletic.net; coaches check these before responding.
Include weekly training mileage and a Strava / training log link. The aerobic-base trend matters as much as the single PR.
Race video over highlight clips. Coaches scout in-race tactics — pack positioning, surge response, closing — not just the time.
Show full races or at minimum the back half — where races are decided. The 5K closing 1K is the highest-leverage minute on tape.
Title card: name, events, class year, PRs with FAT confirmation, training mileage, GPA.
For invitational races: indicate field strength (regional, state, national) and where you finished in the field.
Skip music. Use meet broadcast feeds (FloTrack, MileSplit livestream, RunnerSpace) over phone footage when available.
Opens with, by position:
5K racing
pacing through 3K, mid-race surges, kick over the final 600m
Longer XC (8K)
aerobic base, late-race fade resistance, sustained pace through the 6K mark
Track crossover
3200m / 5000m speed-endurance, in-race acceleration off the rail
Course management
terrain reading, surge response on hills, pack positioning entering the final mile
Free resource — recruiting calendar
Key cross country windows.
August – November (XC season)
Primary competition window. Most racing is dual meets + invitationals through October.
October (regional + state XC)
Qualifying for NXN regionals and state championships.
November (NXN + Eastbay XC)
Nike Cross Nationals and Eastbay Cross Country Championships — primary national HS-age events.
December – March (indoor track)
Distance crossover season. Indoor 3000m / 5000m PRs feed back into the recruiting story.
March – July (outdoor track)
3200m / 5000m PRs from outdoor track. Spring PRs often crystallize summer offers.
June 15 — after sophomore year (D-I)
Standard NCAA contact rule. Coaches can initiate after this date; before, you can email but they can't respond directly.
Mid-November + April – August (signing)
NLI early and regular signing windows.
Times in the benchmark table are men's HS 5K reference floors. Women's XC recruiting follows the same structure with proportionally slower 5K times (~17:30 D-I, 18:00 D-II, 18:30 D-III). Verify current NXN and Eastbay XC dates at runnerspace.com and milesplit.com. NCAA contact and signing windows: ncaa.org.
COACH OUTREACH
How to actually contact a coach.
The college contact calendar is governed by NCAA bylaws and
varies by sport. The short universal version:
D-I and D-II coaches can't initiate recruiting contact
with you until after your sophomore year (sport-specific window).
You can email them before that — they just can't respond directly
until the window opens. D-III has no contact-period restrictions.
Your first email to a coach should be short, factual, and
attached to film. Coaches read these in batches between practice
blocks. If they can't get to the film in 10 seconds, they won't.
Subject: 2027 LB · 6'1 215 · Hudl link
Coach [Name],
I'm a 2027 linebacker at [High School] in [City, State]. 6'1,
215, 4.65, 3.7 GPA, 1240 SAT.
Junior film: [link]. First clip is the third-down stop vs.
[opponent]. I'd love to be on your camp list this summer.
[Name] · [phone] · [club / position coach contact]
Three things every email should include: your graduation year,
your verified measurables, and a working film link. Three things
to leave out: paragraphs about your character, ranked lists of
schools you're interested in, and anything that looks templated.
Camps and showcases matter more than email volume. A coach can
verify your size, your speed, and your footwork in one afternoon.
Prioritize camps at programs that are honest fits — the showcase
on a campus you'd actually attend is worth ten regional combines.
THE FILM
What 3 minutes of film should show.
Coaches make a yes/no decision on your film inside the first 20
seconds. Open with your three best plays — not your highest
impact plays, your three plays that show you doing your job at
a college level. A defensive back's film opens with hip flip
and ball skills. A point guard's film opens with vision and
ball pressure. A pitcher's film opens with strike-one fastballs.
What disqualifies a film instantly:
Music. Coaches mute it; if they have to mute it before they can scout, you've already cost yourself attention.
No spotlight or arrow on your jersey number. They will not hunt for you.
JV / B-team plays mixed in with varsity. One JV clip and credibility's gone.
Highlight clips longer than 8 seconds each. Cut tight.
No school, position, year, or measurables on the opening title card.
Your full game film matters too — but only after the highlight
tape gets a coach's interest. If a coach asks for full film, send
the last two complete games and your best half. Don't send a
season's worth.
ACADEMIC FLOOR
Grades, tests, and the Eligibility Center.
The NCAA's D-I academic floor is a 2.3 core-course GPA on 16
NCAA-approved courses, with a sliding scale against your test
score. D-II is 2.2. D-III sets standards institution-by-
institution; most competitive D-III programs expect 3.0+. NAIA
requires either a 2.3 GPA, a top-half class rank, or 18 ACT /
970 SAT — pick the one you clear.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at
eligibilitycenter.org by the end of junior year. Send official
transcripts and test scores directly from your school and
College Board / ACT. Don't wait until spring of senior year —
the backlog is real.
Test-optional is not the same as test-free. Many programs still
use scores for academic scholarship layering and for in-state
tuition awards at public universities. Taking the SAT or ACT
once junior year gives you the option without locking you in.
THE NEXT STEP
Anchor everything to your ScoutStreak Score.
The ScoutStreak Score is a 0–100 visibility ranking that decides
who gets seen by recruiters on the platform. It's built from
your verified measurables, your activity, and your academic
floor — the same data the benchmarks above use. Once you have a
number, the rest of the recruiting process becomes a project
plan instead of a guessing game.