How the College Athletics Recruitment Process Differs for Women’s Sports 4/27/25

So, a question I hear a lot from parents is, “How is the recruiting process different for girls compared to boys?” And it’s a really important one. While opportunities for women in college sports have grown a lot, the process isn’t exactly the same. For starters, there tend to be fewer full-ride athletic scholarships available in many women’s sports so students are often piecing together aid from multiple sources. Also, the recruiting process for girls often starts earlier, especially in sports like soccer or lacrosse. Even with title IX, Coaches in some Women’s sports may not have the budgets for travel or scouting that the male sports do, so they really rely on student-athletes reaching out, sharing video, attending showcases, and having strong academics. The bottom line? Girls who are proactive, organized, and start early usually have the best shot at finding the right fit.

When families think about college athletics recruitment, the image that often comes to mind is of Division I football and basketball programs with large coaching staffs, national TV coverage, and high-profile signing days. But for young women pursuing collegiate sports, the recruiting process often looks quite different, less flashy, more nuanced, and in many ways more student driven. Understanding these differences is key for student-athletes, their families, high school counselors, and high school coaches helping to guide the way.

One of the most important distinctions lies in the resources and visibility afforded to women’s sports. While Title IX has significantly expanded opportunities for female athletes, the recruiting infrastructure still tends to favor men’s programs in terms of funding, exposure, and staffing. This means that women’s sports often receive less media attention and fewer opportunities to be scouted and recruited in person. That said, the silver lining is that many women’s sports offer more roster spots and scholarship opportunities especially in sports like rowing, volleyball, soccer, and track & field creating real potential for students who are prepared and proactive.

Recruiting for women’s sports can also start surprisingly early. In several sports, including soccer, lacrosse, and softball, college coaches begin evaluating talent in middle school or early high school through  travel teams, club teams, showcases, and national tournaments. As a result, families need to be aware of sport-specific timelines. It’s not uncommon for students to make verbal commitments during their sophomore year of high school, which can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared it. This early timeline places added importance on joining competitive club or travel teams, attending the right events, and starting conversations with coaches sooner rather than later.

Because the process isn’t always as centralized or well-funded, female student-athletes often need to take the lead. This means researching programs that fit their academic and athletic profile, reaching out to coaches directly via email, and putting together highlight videos and profiles. A proactive approach can make a major difference, versus waiting to be discovered which rarely leads to results in women’s recruiting. High school counselors and parents can provide vital support by encouraging students to stay organized and take initiative.

It’s also important to talk about athletic scholarships realistically. Not all women’s sports are fully funded, and at the time of publication, outside of certain “headcount” sports like women’s basketball and tennis at the D1 level, full scholarships are rare. More commonly, students are offered partial athletic scholarships as part of the equivalency model, which may be combined with academic or need-based aid. Families should be prepared for this financial landscape and ask detailed questions about the types of support available at each institution.

In this often complex landscape, working with a recruiting service or an independent educational consultant can provide a valuable edge. These professionals can help student-athletes identify the right schools, craft compelling outreach messages to coaches, and understand the nuances of NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA rules and scholarship structures. For families unfamiliar with the process or unsure how to navigate its many moving parts, having an expert advocate can reduce stress, save time, and open doors to programs that may not have been on the radar. The best consultants and services take a holistic approach, helping students present themselves as strong academic and athletic candidates, while also ensuring a realistic and well-informed game plan.

In my experience many female clients placed a high priority on the overall college experience not just athletics. While competitive success matters, so do team culture, academic programs, coaching style, and campus life. For women especially, the decision to commit to a program often reflects a holistic fit rather than a purely athletic one. That’s why it’s essential to approach the recruitment process as a comprehensive college search, with equal attention paid to personal goals, academic aspirations, and long-term growth.

While the recruitment process for women’s sports may not always receive the same spotlight, it offers a wealth of opportunity for students who are driven, informed, and strategic. With early preparation, strong academic performance, and a proactive mindset, female athletes can find programs where they will thrive both on and off the field. And with the right support from counselors and parents, they can navigate this unique journey with confidence and clarity.

To learn more about PrepSearch and how I’ve helped over 1,700 students attend college through sports since 2007, please explore the rest of my website. For more information about my seminars for high schools and clubs, or to inquire about my recruiting advisory services, feel free to complete the contact form on my website at www.prepsearch.net.

If you know a prospective student-athlete in grades 8-12 who could benefit from additional free exposure to college coaches, have them download the new PrepSearch app today! It’s available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepssearchappsapp

https://apps.apple.com/app/prepsearch-app/id6738037970

EM