How To Win A Sports Scholarship is reprinted by arrangement with Redwood Creek Publishing, Copyright (c) 2007 by Penny Hastings and Todd Caven. It is also available at www.winasportsscholarship.com ($24.95).
[The following excerpt is from Penny Hastings and Todd Caven’s newly updated 3rd edition of the best-selling guide for college-bound student-athletes and their parents, offering step-by-step advice on how athletic kids can use their talents to get into the college of their choice, play the sport they love and attract scholarship dollars to help pay for their college education.]
Students with athletic ability and good grades can pay for all or part of their college educations with a sports scholarship. Scholarships are available in 34 sports played at the collegiate level—and not only in sports like football and basketball. From archery to badminton, soccer to swimming, lacrosse to water polo, athletic scholarships are available. The best news is: You don’t have to be a superstar to win a sports scholarship!
If you are a better-than-average athlete and in the top third of your class, you could be eligible for any of over 180,000 athletic scholarships awarded each year by colleges throughout the United States. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the amount of scholarship money awarded each year for all sports is over $1.2 billion.
Archery | Football | Skiing, cross country |
Badminton | Golf | Skiing, downhill |
Baseball | Gymnastics | Squash |
Basketball | Handball | Soccer |
Bowling | Ice Hockey | Softball |
Cheerleading | Indoor Track | Swimming |
Cross Country | Lacrosse | Synchronized Swimming |
Diving | Riflery | Tennis |
Equestrian | Rodeo | Track & Field |
Fencing | Rowing | Volleyball |
Field Hockey | Rugby | Water Polo |
| | | Wrestling |
While scholarships are available to both men and women, some sports and scholarships are available for men or women only. Scholarships range from full-rides (all expenses paid) to partial scholarships.
When high school junior Todd Caven said he wanted to play his sport at the college level, he and his mother embarked on a search to find out which scholarships were offered and where and whether he might qualify.
Janelle Whary, Dillsburg, PA 08/14/08
My son, a senior in high school has done what the article says for the last year. It works! He has received many contacts from Division I, II and III schools. He has narrowed down his colleges to four and he receives emails and calls from these coaches on a regular basis. Please make sure that what ever college your child wants to attend so that they can play a particular sport that they put together a dvd of them playing. Not just highlights but an entire game. Coaches don't want to see just highlights. My son put together a "resume" of himself (along with a cover letter introducing himself) describing all his awards and which camps and tournaments he would be attended.The coaches showed up to watch. The grade issue is just as important and their athletic abilities. What college wouldn't want a great athelete with great grades? If your child is interested in furthering his/her athletic career, just do what the article says. Again, it worked for my son!
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