Top Five Tips for Securing a Sports Scholarship
- Push Yourself
- Start Early
- Be Proactive
- Be Likable
- Use Social Media
Young athletes who are looking for information about securing a sports scholarship to pay for their education should keep a few key points in mind. College sports are highly competitive because they draw huge crowds to see teams face off in high-stakes games and playoffs. Here are five tips for translating athletic prowess into a full academic scholarship.
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1. Push Yourself
The most important factor in the process of securing an athletic scholarship is talent. Competitive sports require a high level of competitiveness, and college athletics are no exception. Whether you play baseball, football, soccer, or hockey, you should spend at least four to six hours every day honing your talent, according to Wired. The more work you put into your sport, the more competitive you’ll be when the time comes to apply for college. Mental discipline is what separates sports stars from average players, and it’s never too early to begin developing some discipline. College coaches will notice the effort you’ve put into your game.
2. Start Early
You can begin your effort to obtain a full ride through college when you’re still in high school. The earlier you start, the better your chances of success will be. For example, you might perform your training exercises at the local university gym or track. It can also help to talk to your high school coaches about the possibility of a scholarship. If you’re serious about college athletics, your high school coaches will be willing to help you make the proper sacrifices to prepare yourself for the next level. You should limit or completely eliminate partying, alcohol, and any other distractions that can jeopardize your chances of success.
3. Be Proactive
Go out of your way to get in touch with coaches at the schools you would like to attend. Unless you’re a high school phenom like LeBron James, most college coaches are unlikely to know who you are. You will have to get their attention by visiting campuses, introducing yourself, attending conventions and gatherings, and scheduling appointments for private conversations. Speak with as many coaches at as many schools as possible. This step in the process is a simple matter of numbers. The more exposure you get, the better your chances of success will be.
4. Be Likable
Just as mental discipline is important in honing athletic talent, a humble attitude is a must for everyone but the most prodigiously talented athletes. Not only will humility help you deal with the adversity that will inevitably come your way during your athletic career, but it will make you a more likable person and more likely to be remembered in a positive way by college coaches. Some players will never encounter any meaningful adversity, so they can afford to have cocky attitudes. However, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are known for their greatness on the court as well as their class and grace off of it.
5. Use Social Media
Post videos of your athletic achievements on a YouTube channel and create social media accounts for your athletic career. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can be useful tools for gaining a following and building name recognition. When you begin competing for a scholarship, you can send coaches to your YouTube channel. This preparation and organization will pay off in the long run.
Top college athletes can expect to enter professional careers with name recognition and multi-million dollar contracts. The thrill of athletic achievement and adulation from fans is usually enough motivation to keep most young players focused. If you want to increase your chances of winning an athletic scholarship, the right attitude and preparation can go a long way.
