Student Athletes
Students wishing to continue on with athletics in college are encouraged to begin their research early! The process of athletic eligibility and college admission is very detailed and will have a profound effect on the transition from high school to college.
For more information regarding the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, Division II, and Division III, student athletes should visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website.
For more information regarding the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), students should visit the PlayNAIA Eligibility Center website.
For more information regarding the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), student athletes should visit www.NJCAA.org.
The Recruiting Process
Gives families a comprehensive view of the recruiting process including, eligibility, official visits and contact information.
The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution.
Meeting the Academic Standards of College Athletics
This webinar recording from 5/18/22 is about college athletic eligibility. Presented by Trudy Steins, Regional Admissions Counselor from Central Methodist University, and Massey Arnold, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at McKendree University.
Important Reminders
-
Students should review academic standards required to participate in collegiate athletics in NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. If students fail to meet those requirements, they may not be eligible to play college level sports immediately after graduation.
-
Each athletic association operates under different rules and policies, including when and how often a coach can contact an athlete. Be aware of these rules!
-
Admission to a college or university is separate from being selected for a college team. Students must still complete the college application process, adhering to the deadlines established by the Admissions Office.
-
Students should speak to their high school coaches during their junior year to discuss likely options for post-high school athletics.
-
Students hoping to play at a NCAA Division I or II school, must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students are advised to do this at the end of junior year.
-
Every student athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.