How Multi-Sport Athletes Should Use NCSA

So many high school athletes participate in more than one sport. You might even feel a strong connection with all of them when you’re in season — like softball is life for one semester, but then field hockey is life in another. Or, while it seems like there’s nothing as awesome as taking the field for football, it feels pretty darn good to get second place in the shotput, too.

As we’ve covered before, 88 percent of college athletes had participated in more than one sport when they were in high school.

So maybe you love two different sports, and want to think about playing either in college. Or maybe you’re interested in schools (like in the NCAA Division III level) where you can play two sports in college.

How can a multi-sport athlete use NCSA College Recruiting to get noticed by two different sets of college coaches?

Multi-sport athletes need to emphasize different strengths.

You’ll need to set up two different profiles.

This is because each sport is so different, and we want to help you show off why you’re an ideal recruit to each set of college coaches for their particular roster openings.

Each profile allows you to emphasize strengths and achievements for that sport. (This comes in handy when college coaches search for athletes who fit their particular needs.)

If your parents have switched jobs recently, they’ll know this analogy. Your recruiting profile is like your resume. You want to tailor it to the position you’re applying for.

That doesn’t mean lying; it means emphasizing the qualities that will most help you succeed.

Multi-sport athletes need to answer why they love each sport.

While there are some opportunities to play more than one sport in college (especially if you’re on track or cross country), the majority of coaches are looking at your profile as a potential player on their roster.

So put yourself in their shoes: They know as well as you and I that the vast majority of high school athletes play more than one sport. But they’re probably expecting your dedication to their team when it comes to college athletics. That you’ll participate in captain-led practices. That you won’t get injured in a different sport season (the off-season). That you aren’t missing double the amount of classes — since you’re after that college diploma, after all.

What this means for your recruiting profile is that you should treat each sport as if it’s the only one you’ll get to play in college. What draws you to each sport? Why are you interested in playing either at the next level? Think carefully about what you like about your choices – and be sure to write that in your personal statement.

Multi-sport athletes need to work twice as hard.

We try to make it easier to get through the recruiting process by having everything in one place in your recruiting profile: you can talk to coaches, search for roster openings, get help from NCSA experts and more.

But if you’re interested in pursuing more than one type of roster opening, remember that you’re going to be doubling the amount of work ahead of you: Two profiles to maintain. Two sets of highlight/skills videos to upload. Two sets of coaches to contact and connect with.

Can you make it work? Absolutely. But be careful about the ways you manage your time. Don’t forget how important your academics are to the recruiting process.

And, hey. Go have some fun with your friends every once in a while, too.

Not sure whether you should try to become a college athlete in multiple sports? One of our scouts can help you consider all of your options. The best way to get started is with a recruiting profile.