How is it possible to get noticed? With so many athletes out there, it is impractical to think that a coach can learn about everyone and recruit all qualified athletes. Getting noticed is a huge challenge, so an athlete has to know that the most effective means of getting noticed is to sell yourself.

Academics are very important to the recruiting process at any level. That means you have to apply yourself in the classroom as much as on the field or the court. If you fail at the academic level it often means failure to achieve athletic goals. Those that do not get athletic scholarship offers from D1 & D2, your academic merits can gain you access into D3 institutions which do not offer athletic scholarships, academic performance is just as valued as athletic performance in the recruiting process. Your grades can make a big difference in admissions and financial aid outcomes. All D3 schools have academic scholarship money that is often awarded to athletes and all students who demonstrate academic achievement. High achievement generally means strong financial support for your education, and also allows you to get noticed and stand out from the pack.

Rules to follow when contacting coaches:

* Be an effective communicator. Write the coach often. Call the coach back if they call.
* Share your playing schedules. Share lots of them.
* Be courteous and show interest. Make the coach feel as though their school is at the top
   of your list. Be sure and spell their name and their schools name correctly.
* Provide contact information. Make sure to note when you are available.
* Complete applications to the schools you have an interest. Get all the paperwork taken
   care of early.
* Visit the schools you are interested in, if possible. Make every effort to meet the coach.
* Prepare questions for the coach when you meet with them. Again, show interest.
* Know about the program and the program history.

Most coaches are working with limited budgets and very little time and staff resources. So you have to be persistent, prepared and polite to get noticed at any division. If nothing else, every coach wants people who can enhance their program. Your character is a key component of integrity. Always show good character

If you want to get noticed, don’t hesitate to make first contact with a coach yourself. Remember coaches cannot discover everyone.