College recruiting can be an exciting yet daunting process for student-athletes and their parents. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the governing body for college sports in the United States and has specific rules and regulations that student-athletes must follow to be eligible to compete at the collegiate level. One resource that many student-athletes turn to during the recruiting process is the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) platform. However, the question remains, does NCSA actually help athletes get recruited?

While NCSA can be a valuable resource for student-athletes, it is just one of many resources that coaches use to find recruits. In fact, according to a study by the NCAA, only 2% of high school athletes who use recruiting services are offered scholarships by Division I schools. This means that student-athletes should not solely rely on NCSA or any other recruiting service to guarantee their recruitment to their dream college.

That being said, there are ways for student-athletes to maximize their chances of getting recruited through NCSA. First and foremost, it is important to keep their profile up-to-date with accurate information and highlight their athletic and academic achievements. Coaches use NCSA to search for potential recruits, so having a complete and professional online presence can make a big difference.

Additionally, student-athletes should be proactive in reaching out to coaches and expressing their interest in their program. This can be done through sending emails, making phone calls, or even attending showcases and camps where coaches may be present. It is important to remember that coaches receive a large volume of inquiries from potential recruits, so standing out and showing genuine interest can make a difference.

It is also important for student-athletes to keep their expectations realistic. While it is certainly possible to get recruited to a Division I program through NCSA, it is important to understand that there are many talented athletes vying for limited spots. Student-athletes should consider Division II and III programs as well, as they offer excellent opportunities to compete at the collegiate level while also receiving a well-rounded education.

In addition to utilizing NCSA, there are other resources that student-athletes can use to increase their chances of getting recruited. For example, talking to their high school or club coach about their chances of being recruited can provide valuable insight and guidance. Gathering necessary academic and athletic information and creating a professional online presence are also important steps to take.

Ultimately, NCSA can be a valuable resource for student-athletes during the college recruiting process. However, it is important to use it in conjunction with other resources and to keep expectations realistic. By keeping their profile up-to-date, being proactive in reaching out to coaches, attending showcases and camps, and keeping their options open, student-athletes can increase their chances of getting recruited by the college of their dreams.

In addition to the athletic aspects of college recruiting, academic performance also plays a crucial role. It is important for student-athletes to maintain good grades and meet the NCAA eligibility requirements in order to be eligible to compete at the collegiate level. In fact, according to a study by the NCAA, student-athletes have a higher graduation rate than non-athletes.

Choosing a sport that the athlete is passionate about is also important. While it may be tempting to choose a sport that is more likely to lead to a scholarship, it is important for student-athletes to enjoy what they are doing and to have a genuine passion for their sport. This passion can be seen by coaches and can make a difference in their recruitment decisions.

In conclusion, college recruiting can be a complex and overwhelming process for student-athletes and their parents. While NCSA can be a valuable resource, it is just one of many resources that coaches use to find recruits. Student-athletes should keep their profile up-to-date, be proactive in reaching out to coaches, attend showcases and camps, and keep their expectations realistic. By utilizing all available resources and maintaining good grades, student-athletes can increase their chances of getting recruited by the college of their dreams.