I’ve Been Offered an Athletic Scholarship and Accepted It in Writing. Now What?

Receiving an athletic scholarship is an exciting and proud moment. This is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. Once you’ve accepted the offer in writing, it can feel like a dream come true. But that signature is only the beginning of your journey as a student-athlete. I’m confident by the time every family gets ready to select and offer, they are ready and know exactly what they are looking for. Hopefully the student will have a few offers to choose from that are a great fit for both the student and the family. During this exciting time here are a few things I recommend.

Understand the Terms of Your Scholarship or Financial Aid Agreement

First and foremost, carefully review your scholarship agreement or financial award agreement. Athletic scholarships or Financial Aid Award Agreements may be full or partial, and they can cover a variety of expenses including tuition, room and board, books, and sometimes even living stipends. Award letters for NAIA and NCAA Division III recruits may include other merit and need based aid as well as loans. Ask questions if you are unsure before you sign anything.

Understand exactly is being covered.  Ideally if the offer is for a NCAA Division I or NCAA Division II recruit, we are looking for an Athletic Scholarship for Financial Aid Agreement that covers 100% of the cost of attendance. This or similar language is a full scholarship or full financial aid agreement. If you don’t see language that says this or similar in your letter or email then you need to look for the language specifically outlining what they cover, what they do not and what you will be responsible for. This letter will also include information on the term and any special conditions. All award letters will have some of the information below included.

• Full tuition only (You are responsible for housing, meals, books and fees)
• Housing and meal plan only (You are responsible for tuition)
• Fixed dollar amount applied against the total cost of attendance
• Term of the agreement (typically one year, renewable annually)
• Performance or academic requirements to maintain it (This is especially important if a student is receiving any type of academic exemption typical for 3.5 GPA and 3.75 GPA) Any clauses that allow the school to revoke or reduce the scholarship

Stay Eligible both Academically and Athletically

From this point forward, your performance as a student-athlete will be closely watched even if it may be more than a year before a student actually sets foot on campus. I tell each of my clients  while they may be in high school when they sign and some as early as their sophomore year, consider themselves a member of the team and part of the roster once they commit and sign. Coaches offer scholarships to athletes they believe will contribute to the team’s success, and that means consistently giving your best effort even before they arrive on campus. While every athlete has ups and downs in terms of performance, a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to team goals are non-negotiable. You’re expected to attend practices, workouts, and games without exception, and to carry yourself in a way that reflects positively on the team.

In addition to team expectations, you’re also bound by the rules and regulations of either the NCAA or the NAIA, depending on your institution. These governing bodies have strict eligibility requirements that go beyond athletic performance once enrolled as a full time student. You must remain enrolled full-time and maintain your amateur status, and you’ll be subject to guidelines on everything from academic progress to drug testing. Violating any of these rules can lead to suspension, the loss of your scholarship, or even being declared ineligible to compete.

One of the most important  and sometimes overlooked responsibilities of a student-athlete is maintaining academic eligibility. Most programs require a minimum GPA, often between 2.0 and 2.5, and both the NCAA and NAIA have progress-toward-degree requirements, meaning you need to complete a certain number of credit hours each year. Falling behind academically can quickly put your scholarship or athletically related financial aid at risk. To avoid this, it’s vital to attend all your classes, stay organized, and seek help when needed. Many schools offer academic support programs specifically for athletes, including tutoring, study halls, and advising.

Communication plays a key role in your success. You are part of a larger support network that includes your coaches, trainers, academic advisors, and teammates. If you’re struggling in any area whether it’s in the classroom, with time management, or with personal issues speak up early.  Ask for help as soon as you recognize you need help and while there are options to assist you. Your coaches and advisors want you to succeed and are often willing to help you create a plan to get back on track, but they can’t help if they don’t know there’s a problem.

It’s important to remember that your scholarship or financial aid agreement doesn’t just reflect your athletic ability it reflects your character and academic potential. As a scholarship athlete, you represent your team and your institution both on and off the field and in many cases they have made a significant monetary investment in you. How you behave in public, in the classroom, and even on social media matters. Coaches and athletic departments expect you to uphold a certain standard, and poor decisions outside of your sport can have real consequences for your scholarship and your future opportunities.

Accepting an athletic scholarship is a huge honor, but keeping it requires discipline, focus, and responsibility. Performing well for your team, staying compliant with NCAA or NAIA regulations, and maintaining your GPA are all critical parts of the equation. If you commit yourself to excellence in every area athletically, academically, and personally  you’ll not only keep your scholarship but also make the most of the incredible opportunity it provides.

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