Earlier than most families think. College coaches fill rosters years in advance. Here is what to do in each year of high school, and what most families get wrong.
Earlier than most families think. College coaches fill rosters years in advance. Click each year to see what the recruiting calendar looks like.
Most families don't think recruiting starts here — but the best ones do. Freshman year is about establishing an athletic identity, building a highlight reel, and understanding where your athlete realistically fits. D1 coaches are already watching top prospects at showcases and tournaments.
Sophomore year is when outreach should become consistent. Update coaches on your athlete's progress, new stats, and any tournament or season results. D2 and D3 programs often make offers as early as sophomore year for strong prospects. This is the year to narrow your school list, attend official camps, and make sure your recruiting profile and website are polished and live.
Junior year is when recruiting decisions accelerate dramatically. D1 coaches can begin official contact after September 1 of junior year. This is the time to maximize outreach — sending updated stats, following up with schools that have shown interest, scheduling unofficial visits, and requesting official visits. Athletes who haven't started outreach by junior year are already behind the D1 timeline.
Senior year isn't too late — especially for D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs which recruit actively into the fall and even spring signing periods. Focus outreach on programs where your athlete has the best chance of playing time and a good academic fit. Many great placements happen senior year for athletes who stay persistent.
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