Recruitment Advice

Colleges & Universities Contacts

Iowa & Nebraska - Div I University of Iowa University of Northern Iowa Iowa State University Drake University South Dakota North Dakota South Dakota State North Dakota State University of Nebraska Creighton University Involvement in the Iowa Lightning program/schedule will expose you to additional D-1 schools Heartland Conference - Div II The University of Texas of the Permian Basis Texas A & M International University St. Mary's University St. Edwards University Oklahoma Panhandle State University Newman Montana State University Lincoln University Incarnate Word University Mid-Am Intercol Ath Assoc - Div II Washburn University Missouri University of Science and Technology Truman State University Southwest Baptist University Pittsburg State University Northwest Missouri State University Missouri Western State University Missouri Southern State University Fort Hays State University Emporia State University Nebraska Omaha University of Central Missouri Northern Sun Athletic Conf - Div II Northern State Minnesota State - Moorhead Minnesota - Crookston Augustana College Concordia - Saint Paul Bemidji State St. Cloud State Minnesota Duluth Minnesota State Augustana Winona State Wayne State (NE) University of Mary Upper Iowa University Southwest Minnesota State Iowa Intercol Athletic Conf - Div III Wartburg College Simpson College Luther College Loras College University of Dubuque Cornell College Coe College Central College Buena Vista University Iowa - Div III and NAIA Faith Baptist (NCCAA) Great Plains Athletic Conf - NAIA Dordt College University of Sioux Falls Concordia College Northwestern College Briar Cliff University Nebraska Wesleyan University Mount Marty College Morningside College Midland Lutheran College Hastings College Doane College Dana College Dakota Wesleyan University Heart of America Ath Conf - NAIA Central Methodist College Benedictine College Baker University Avila University William Jewell College Missouri Valley College MidAmerica Nazarene University Lindenwood University Graceland University Evangel University Culver-Stockson College Kansas Col Athletic Conf - NAIA Sterling College Southwestern College University of Saint Mary Ottawa University McPherson College Kansas Wesleyan University Friends University Bethel College Bethany College University of St. Mary Tabor College Midwest Classic Conference - NAIA Mount Mercy College Iowa Wesleyan College Grandview Ashford College William Penn University Waldorf College Viterbo College Saint Ambrose University AMC Conference - NAIA Div I Williams Baptist College William Woods University Missouri Baptist University McKendree College University of Illinois at Springfield Harris-Stowe State College Hannibal-LaGrange College Columbia College Illinois Coaches - NAIA, Div II & III Southern Illinois University (D-2) Blackburn St. Francis Benedictine Rockford Aurora Robert Morris (NAIA) Augustana (D-3) Quincy Olivet Nazarene (NAIA) Northpark Monmouth Millikin (NAIA) Knox Lewis University Judson College Illinois Wesleyan (D-3) Eureka Elmhurst Wheaton Trinity (NAIA) U of Chicago We have email addresses to every head and assistant coaches at these schools.

Do You And The College You've Selected Match?

When selecting colleges, it's important to make sure that your profile matches theirs. To make a good match, a student must know his or her Goals, Abilities, Interest, and Needs (GAIN) and compare them with that of the chosen college. Remember, college representatives are making an investment in you and they want to ensure that they are getting a good return on their investment. Thus your GAIN must equal the college's GAIN.

Have You Discussed Your Abilities And Qualifications With Your Coach?

Assessing your athletic ability will help identify the collegiate level at which you can compete successfully. First, talk with your current coach, because he or she will be able to accurately evaluate your skills and qualifications. Second, make a realistic self evaluation, beginning with the general guidelines below. Are you qualified to compete at the NCAA Division I, II, or III levels? In general, since the NAIA must compete with the NCAA for athletes, they will be looking for similar qualifications. The closer you come to meeting all the criteria listed, the more qualified you will be to compete at a specific level.

1. To compete at the NCAA Division I Level, you should:
• be actively recruited
• have competed at national level
• compete at school and travel club team levels
• have been all-state, all conference, or all-league champion
• train, cross-train, or compete year around and include weight/fitness training as part of your season or off-season program
• participate in summer camps or tournaments that are known to have recruiters present
2. To Compete at the NCAA Division II Level or NAIA Division I Level, you should:
• have been part of a successful school team or club team program
• have been all-state, all conference, or all-league champion
• train, cross-train, or compete year around and include weight/fitness training as part of your season or off-season program
• participate in summer camps or tournaments that are known to have recruiters present
• competed at a regional level
3. To Compete at the NCAA Division III Level, or NAIA Division II Level, you should:
• have competed during all the years of your high school
• be a good athlete but not necessarily recognized as a top player on your team
• have a keen desire to play basketball in college
• participate in summer camps or tournaments that are known to have recruiters present

If a college is interested in you, your high school or club coach will be contacted. Therefore, it is in your best interest to communicate frequently with your current coach and to have an overall good relationship with him or her. Keep in mind that your coach will be asked to answer the following question: What is the applicant's potential to grow as an athlete? His or her answer will be a major factor in deciding whether you'll be selected by colleges. If you need further assistance in determining your qualifications, contact the athletic director or sports information director at the college in which you are interested.

Do You Know How To Recruit Yourself?

Your main goal in the recruitment process is to make yourself known to college coaches. The following ten steps will help you accomplish the following:

1. Apply to colleges that compete on a divisional level at which you are capable of playing. It's a waste of time for both the college coach and yourself to apply to a program that exceeds your abilities. Make sure you discuss your qualifications with your coach.
2. Match your GAIN with the college of your choice.
3. Once you have selected a college, contact the coach by phone, USPS mail or e-mail. Contact the coach of the sport you are interested in playing. For example, you may want to write a cover letter and complete an electronic player profile that introduces yourself to the coach. It's important that you stay persistent during this stage. You may also have your high school coach contact the college coach.
4. Send newspaper clippings to college coaches. These should display your successes that allow for nationwide basis of comparison. This would include any all-conference or state and divisional titles and club team achievements and honors.
5. Send a videotape of yourself. If is recommended that you send a tape of yourself in competition and in training. It is not necessary to send an application to an admissions office before you send your player profile and video tape. Keep in mind that unless a coach is scouting you at a tournament, your videotape is your tryout. Your tape should display the skills specific to your playing position. Finally, your tape should be edited and no longer than 6 minutes in length. Be sure to send along your jersey number so that you can be identified.
6. Be prepared to send a copy of your competitive schedule.
7. Be able to communicate your athletic goals to the college coach.
8. Get letters of recommendation from your high school or club team coach, your counselor, adult friends, and teachers.
9. Be prepared to answer the following question: What do you want to do besides playing sports? This refers to your academic choices and career plans.

Here is a sample letter to send to coaches.