Division 1 - Of the three Divisions, generally D1 programs have larger student bodies, have larger athletic budgets and give more significant scholarships (if the coach decides to).  High academic achievement is a hallmark of Division 1 athletes.

Division 2 - The 300 schools in this division are best known for the balance of athletics and being part of the community at large.  It is often the competitive nature student athletes want, but allows for some campus involvement, more so than many D1 programs.  This division is allowed to award athletic scholarships as well.  You can read more about what makes Division 2 unique here.

Division 3 - The NCAA says it best when they say “When high school seniors decide to be Division III student-athletes, their choice illustrates their passion for the sport and pursuit of an education. Division III student-athletes compete not for financial reward, but quite simply, for the love of the game.”  This division does not award athletic scholarships.

So you’ve identified which division you can play for, now you want to reach out to coaches.  It is important to understand that communication is very regulated for coaches.  These terms will help you understand when you might be able to have a conversation.

Evaluation Period

A time when a coach can watch a college-bound student-athlete compete, visit their high school and write or telephone the student-athlete or parents - all without face-to face contact.

Quiet Period

A time when a coach can have face-to-face contact with the student-athlete or parents on the college campus.  Coaches may also write or call, but they cannot visit.

Dead Period

The ONLY thing a coach is allowed to do is to call or write to a student or their parents.

One final thought on communication: recruitment calendars.  Each sport and division have separate recruitment calendars that clearly state the evaluation, quiet and dead periods.  It is important to know these calendars as you move through the process.

Starting with this glossary of terms will allow you to better understand the recruitment process. The NCAA creates a phenomenal resource for student athletes and we encourage you to print a copy and take notes!