There are scholarships for all types of athletes, as well as anything in between, whether you are a talented athlete looking for a full-ride scholarship to your dream college or a club sport athlete looking to compete at a more recreational level. There could be more or less competition depending on the sport, which can influence the amount of scholarship money and prizes that can be given out. It could be more difficult to get into a college and receive a full-ride scholarship in high-profile sports like football scholarship or basketball scholarship. Even though athletic scholarships are most sought after at colleges and universities, some organisations and companies reward student-athletes. When looking at potential athletic scholarships, know your worth and do your homework.
For the serious athlete
Athletes pay the most attention to scholarships provided by their chosen college, and the value of the award increases as your talent, rank, and desired athletic qualities increase. Even the best athletes can be ignored if they don't market themselves well, so these students should be constantly approaching coaches at the schools they're interested in. Coaches at colleges recruit aggressively, and while they may seem to want you on their squad, they are more likely giving other athletes the same, if not more, attention. Always keep in mind who the competitors are. Create a portfolio - a personal athlete profile with your numbers, times, top plays, and moments - particularly if you've been featured in a newspaper, online, or otherwise - to put yourself out there more.
Create a list of schools you're interested in and launch your college quest while you're planning your profile; don't sell yourself short, but be open to opportunities at smaller schools and others outside of the top tier Division I athletics. Keep in mind what is required of you to be eligible for the top prizes. Don't forget one of the most critical principles of scholarship application: apply early and often. Many athletes draw the attention of college coaches early in their high school careers, so don't wait for your senior year to start speaking with coaches. Know the skill set and reasonable chances of playing at the college level, whether it's Division I, Division II, or Division III (remember, DIII cannot award scholarship money to athletes.) While many people aspire to play for a DI team, the truth is that other divisions have just as many talented athletes.
For the recreational athlete
It's not enough to be the best basketball player, wrestler, or bowler on your high school team to get an athletic scholarship. Athletes who play for the love of the game rather than to make a career out of it will win a variety of awards. Local leagues and clubs in sports such as baseball and golf, for example, offer several scholarships simply for being a member of a team, regardless of ability. While being gifted in a particular field helps, don't be discouraged if you're not cut out for the lifestyle needed to become a marketable athlete at the highest level of competition. You are not required to participate in your college's squad. Many of the prizes include a passion for a sport and the intention to continue playing it in college, even if it's on a club or intramural team. Since these scholarships aren't usually awarded based on results, other requirements such as financial need or academic achievement may be needed instead.
Examine our examples of school-based and outside-organization sports scholarships. When applying for grants, don't rule out college scholarships, as you won't be able to play on the squad if you can't afford the tuition. Try conducting a free college scholarship search at Scholarships.com to learn more about sports scholarships and prizes based on various qualifications.
Colleges that provide Athletes scholarships
-
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The NCAA oversees and organises college athletics at over 1,000 colleges and universities. The association's responsibilities include financing and organising tournaments, determining eligibility requirements, and formulating rules of play. Financial aid, health and insurance programmes, academic support, and career counselling are also available to student-athletes through the association. About half a million college players are served by its three divisions.
-
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a college athletics organisation
The NAIA is a college athletics association that serves over 77,000 student-athletes. It was founded in 1937. Integrity, respect, accountability, sportsmanship, and servant leadership are fundamental qualities that the organisation strives to instil in its athletes. The NAIA administers scholarships, establishes eligibility requirements, hosts showcase competitions for aspiring college athletes, and hosts national championships.
-
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
Intercollegiate sports programmes for two-year colleges are governed by the NJCAA. Approximately 60,000 players are assisted by the association's services at these universities. In 16 disciplines, NJCAA student-athletes participate in 52 national championships. The organisation manages student-athlete scholarships, establishes eligibility requirements, and offers academic and career assistance.
