Subscribe to the NCSA BlogHow Does the Size of Your High School Affect Recruiting?
July 8th, 2009 - byI hope everyone had a safe and pleasant Fourth of July!
Sports Illustrated recently came out with a list of the top high school athletic program in each state. If you are anything like me, you are instantly attracted to any sort of “Top (insert number here) list,” so I am sure many of you will find it interesting to discover which program from your state made the list.
There are several important lessons to take away from a list like this pertaining to the recruiting process that apply to ALL student-athletes and parents…whether or not your high school appears on this list.
First of all, it is important to recognize that although SI chose to focus on one program from each state (check out the list here), it is safe to say that every state has numerous wonderful public and private high school athletic programs that receive statewide (maybe even nationwide) recognition. Several inferences in the coming points will be made under this premise.
When student athletes and families discuss their high school experience as it relates to their current recruiting success or failure, the typically fall into one of two categories:
Let’s address these scenarios one at a time and find out what lessons every student-athlete can take away regardless of which scenario they relate more to.
Scenario 1: “I attend a small or poor quality high school program and for that reason, I will be overlooked by college coaches and my chances to play in college are lowered”
If the year was 1970 and a student-athlete attended a high school with 150 people in the middle of nowhere, they faced quite an uphill battle in their quest to play collegiate athletics. In fact, it was next to impossible to get “discovered.”
The good news is that due to all the advancements in technology with the internet and video, the recruiting playing 
field has been leveled in many ways. Although the recruiting process can be time consuming, costly and overwhelming for some, no student-athlete is doomed from the start based on their high school size or stature. For those from smaller, lesser known high schools it just might take a little extra work.
Scenario 2: “I attend one of the best high schools in the state and for that reason; I will receive a great deal of exposure and have little to no trouble finding recruiting success”
There are advantages to attending a high profile high school athletic program. There is no getting around this, so we might as well acknowledge it up front. The high school might receive more natural exposure, college coaches might be attracted to athletes from these programs more often, the high school coach might have more experience with recruiting, etc.
However, these inherent advantages do not guarantee recruiting success or athletic scholarships. In fact the assumption that they do might actually serve as a negative influence on a student-athlete’s potential to find collegiate opportunities. For example, some athletes from big time programs might believe they are DI caliber simply due to their high school’s reputation when in reality they are a better fit for DII or DIII. This might cause them to target the wrong schools. Other student-athletes might not believe they have to put in any work to get recruited and rely solely on their high school’s prestige, which can be a huge mistake.
College coaches want the best possible recruits regardless of what high school they play for. No one is guaranteed a scholarship simply because they play at a nationally known high school. If a recruit is willing to take all the right steps, then the size of their high school should only be a minor factor in the recruiting process.
What are the right steps?
Whether you attend the smallest high school in your state or a high school located on Sports Illustrated’s list, 99% of recruits still HAVE to take all these steps:
- Receive an objective evaluation – Understand what level you qualify for.
- Create an Online Athletic / Academic Resume – You still need to show off your accomplishments to college coaches
- Create a Highlight Video – Make sure it’s done properly to avoid being crossed off coaches lists
- Contact at least 100 Coaches – Get involved with enough coaches to provide yourself ample options
- Build Relationships – Recruiting is all about relationships and every recruit needs to understand how to properly communicate with college coaches
Ultimately, families tend to point the finger towards their high school size undeservedly when it comes to recruiting. For recruits from major high school programs, you still need to put work into the recruiting process even though you have slight advantages. For recruits from smaller high schools, you can overcome your minor obstacles by taking advantage of all the resources available…you just have to be willing to put in a little more effort than your competition.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I see that by your article, Salem High is ranked top H.S. athletic program in N.H.
Just a note: Pinkerton Academy (Derry, N.H.) beats them every year, in football that is!
July 8th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I would say that the top school in each state is probably based on overall success of sports programs and not individual sports. Hamilton in Arizona is known as a strong sports program over all, but defiitely not in the sports I participate in. Each student athlete would need to research their particular programs before deciding to switch schools for a stronger program.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:34 am
That list of the “top” HS in each state is useless. “Illinois – Central H.S.” That narrows it down to probably 500 different “Central” high schools.
When I saw the title of the article, I was hoping for something with a little meat to it. Maybe hard numbers about how many D1, D2. and D3 recruits come from high schools of various sizes, etc. Unfortunately, it’s just another sales pitch for NCSA services. I don’t mind the sales pitch, but I’d like some useful information with it.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I would like to know how the schools were selected as well so did some surfing. I couldn’t find the exact article that this list came from, but did find out some other interesting things. One of the articles from a previous year had a non-working link that was supposed to explain how the schools were selected. If anyone can find the article in SI that has the current list I would love the map to it on the internet. Thanks!
July 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hoops Dad – They are referring to Hinsdale Central High School…
Parent in AZ…You can find the article here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/highschool/07/03/best.states/index.html?eref=T1
July 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am
I would like to know the top 25 or 30 high school football programs in Arizona
most looked at by College Coaches. (D-I or D-II Colleges)
July 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I thought this article was interesting especially because I hear this about my son’s basketball career alot. He goes to a rural high school that has been an up and commer for about 7 years now. New basketball coach came on board and we now are a team to be reckened with..however, alot of the stellar athelete’s are overlooked because of the schools reputation.
I absolutely made the personal decision to self promote my son as much as possible and it is clearly paying off…mind over matter…it does make a difference.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for the link Adam! Based on that SI article the schools on the list were selected because:
“Whether it’s school size or the depth of the regional talent pool, not all state champions are created equally.
After sifting through state tournament results for the 2008-09 school year, contacting athletic directors from top programs, examining all-around success rates as well as weighing the importance of producing star athletes and teams that excelled on the national level, SI.com has assembled a list of the top high school athletic program in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. “
July 8th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
How many are private schools that many parents cannot send their child to? I see Oregon is Jesuit HS which is not only private but a Catholic school. It is more about the athlete ‘advertising themselves’ and getting their name out there thank goodness. When one thinks the rural areas are not looked at, just remember the Red Sox player out of Madras, Oregon!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:03 am
I attended a smaller high school in Versailles, Kentucky. The coaching is excellent. one of the coaches played pro for the braves, yankees, etc. for 12 years. I had the opportunity to start varsity as a lead-off, 2nd base, some short, right field and pitcher. My numbers were excellent , I was first or second on the team including seniors in all categories. I got sick 3/4 of the way through and played sick for three weeks,my batting average went down from over 400 all season but, I finished 2nd with a 327 as a freshmean. We made it to regionals and played at Applebee’s Park in Lexington, KY.
I am the only successful switch hitter in the entire region. I made All- American 1st team academics with a 4.0 during the season. I was rookie of the year in our school.
Due to selct baseball, etc. I am well known in Lexington, kentucky and surrounding areas. Here is my question, I come from a smaller schooll but, we will be in contention for state as we were this year. I did not have a video done this year as a freshman, I have excellent numbers but, no live look. MOst coach
July 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Chris – and your question is?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
My son’s situation fits this topic almost as though it was written about/for him. Let me first say that being from a small school DOES NOT eliminate you from being recruited by smaller or larger colleges. Let me simply say that there are two (2) very important things that you as an aspiring next level athlete must do..
1). Do not rely on your high school or your coach to get you a scholarship. You are only one of many athletes that he/she coaches. Use the internet to Market YOURSELF by registering with not just one, but as many of the recruiting sites available. Get evaluated to determine whats your athletic skill level ie, DI, D2, D3, NAIA or Juco. Place your resume, academics, photos and video’s on each site and send a letter with a link to your site to every coach in the nation.
2) Once you’ve done step one, go to the summer camps of selected colleges. There is a small cost associated with it, but if you and your parents are really serious about it, it could pay off to the tune of landing a scholarship.
I know first hand that college coaches want to see not only your athletic ability but also, you as a person.
Now as I mentioned in the very beginning of this post, my son attends a small 3A school in Texas that is surrounded by major 5A powers known throughout the country. Woodlands, Strake Jesuit, Jack Yates, Hightower, etc. My son who is a Junior, did the two above listed items, and as a result he was offered a full scholarship to a major D1 program in which he has verbally committed to. (FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION) My point is that your committement and desire to reach the next level is in your hands…….And by the way, being listed on these recruiting sites has brought interest from over 80 different colleges throughout the nation. If you market yourself and demonstrate that you are next level material, I’ll end with this, IF YOU CAN PLAY, THEY WILL FIND YOU……
July 10th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Joe -
Great post and great advise. Thanks for sharing your son’s story.
July 12th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
This is informative, and as always when creating such a list, generalities have to be applied. State championships are important, and repeat championships even more so, spread out over numerous sports. But there is one factor that is just as important if not more so – the integrity of the athletic director and coaches, and how much the athletes themselves give back to the community. I would hope that these things are also considered when choosing the “greatest athletic program” among high schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jimmy Sites
July 14th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Programs are important if you have an ambitious coach – but as we found out your student athlete can get recruited in spite of the coaching staff. Due to the politics at my son’s school – other coach’s in his league gave him references and helped promote him.
Tell your student athlete not be discouraged when a coach has tunnel vision for his favorite players – while the coach nominated his favorites for all league and all star games – my son is off to a D-II school with scholarship money and the coach’s pets remain in town hoping for a chance at JC ball.
In my opinion game film + on the field performance is what it takes – you can deny talent on the game film nor can you create talent that is not supported on the field.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Sadly, the school on the list for NJ was an all boys private school. What about girls? Every post and perhaps the article was geared to only boys?
July 26th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Joe,
Which of the recriuting sites did you find most helpful?
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I nearly laughed at the selection from Maine. Camden Hills Regional High School? I don’t know if they have a single state championship in any sport. They are a Class B school that is mediocre at best. That selection alone shows that this list is a complete joke.
For those who care, the top program would probably be from southern Maine – Scarborough, Deering, Cheverus, Brunswick, Bonny Eagle, Gorham, Greely, or Waterville all seem like far more deserving candidates.