Athlete Edition · Recruiting

Recruiting Timeline

Know exactly what college coaches expect during every year of high school. Stay ahead of deadlines, maximize opportunities, and build a recruiting plan with confidence.

Built by a mom navigating the recruiting process in real time. This timeline combines NCAA guidance, coach recommendations, and practical lessons our family has learned to help yours stay organized and confident.
Personalize Your Path

Where Are You Now?

Choose your current year and we’ll jump you to what matters most right now.

Start Early

Recruiting Isn’t Something That Starts Senior Year

Many families don’t realize recruiting begins long before applications are submitted. Small decisions made during freshman and sophomore year can create big opportunities later.

This interactive timeline will walk families through exactly what to focus on each season of high school so nothing important gets missed.

Your Four-Year Roadmap

The Recruiting Timeline

Tap any year to expand what to focus on that season.

Academic Goals
Athletic Development
Skill Training
Create Good Habits
Start Building Relationships
Begin Community Service
Explore Colleges
Create Recruiting Folder

Parent Tip — Things NOT to Worry About Yet

Don't stress about offers, rankings, or committing early. Freshman year is about grades, character, and falling in love with the game. The recruiting will come.

Create Highlight Film
Attend Camps
Email Coaches
Improve Athletic Resume
Visit College Campuses
Take SAT/ACT Practice Tests
Continue Community Service
Improve Social Media Presence

Parent Checklist

Help build a short, targeted list of schools, set up a clean email address, and keep a simple spreadsheet of coaches your athlete has contacted.

Take Official SAT/ACT
Send Updated Film
Follow Up with Coaches
Visit Schools
Attend Elite Camps
NCAA Eligibility Center
Build Recruiting Website
Applications Preparation

Parent Timeline — Important NCAA Dates

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center this year, send official transcripts, and note that coaches can contact junior athletes more directly. Confirm current contact rules for your sport.

Apply to Colleges
Official Visits
Early Action vs Early Decision
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Coach Communication
Commitment
Signing Day
Graduation Preparation
Transition to College Athletics

Senior Focus

This is the finish line — submit applications, take official visits, compare offers and aid, and celebrate the commitment. Keep grades strong through graduation.

Month by Month

Recruiting Calendar

Click any month to see what to focus on.

August

  • Start emailing coaches
  • Register NCAA Eligibility
  • Update film
Track Your Progress

Recruiting Milestones

Check off each milestone as your family completes it.

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Parent Corner

For Parents

Support without overwhelming

Be the calm in the process — encourage, don't manage every email.

When to step in

Handle logistics and deadlines; let your athlete own the coach conversations.

Questions to ask coaches

Roster spots, playing time expectations, academics, and player development.

Budgeting for recruiting

Plan for camps, travel, testing, and visits — set a realistic season budget.

Travel planning

Cluster camps and visits geographically to save time and money.

Mental health during recruiting

Protect rest and identity beyond sport; recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint.

Balancing academics & athletics

Grades open the most doors — protect study time even during peak season.

Stay Organized

Download Center

Free printables and trackers to keep the whole journey in one place.

Recruiting Checklist

Download

Coach Email Tracker

Download

Recruiting Timeline PDF

Download

Camp Tracker

Download

Recruiting Spreadsheet

Download

Coach Communication Templates

Download

College Visit Checklist

Download

Recruiting Website Checklist

Download
Your Journey

Your Recruiting Journey Starts Here

Every athlete’s path is different, but preparation makes all the difference. Use these free tools, templates, and timelines to stay organized and confidently navigate the recruiting process.

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