After long conversations with collegiate coaches and unofficial visits, it’s time to make the big decision that will affect the next four years of their lives. Students share their experiences with the recruiting process.

“I emailed probably 100 coaches,” senior basketball player Presley Wheeler said. “I narrowed it down. The Colorado Christian University coaches and I got really close and I just kind of knew it was where I was supposed to be. My advice is to be super proactive, reach out to the colleges you’re interested in, and let them know your schedule.”

The recruitment process looks different for each athlete. Coaches gather a large group of recruits. They will go to showcases and use recruiting media sites or services like NCSA.

“The process has consisted of many phone calls,” junior basketball player Jaylee Moss said. “There are many texts, some visits, and tournaments to see the best place for me. My advice would be to not falter to anything else. If the college wants you, they will let you know.”

After the initial contact, coaches will invite you to do an official or unofficial visit. During or even after the visit, coaches will reach out and offer you a scholarship.

“I wanted a place that had a good connected team,” Senior Alex Niemiec said. “Colleges mostly reached out to me, I did an official visit to each of my top schools, which were Princeton, Oklahoma State University, and University of Oklahoma.”

The signing process usually starts with a verbal commitment. The coach will then extend an official offer and will make you sign a National Letter of Intent. You must then register with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics or the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

“My advice to people currently being recruited is don’t worry about it too much,” Niemiec said. “Things worked out for me and sometimes things don’t work out. Just choose what you think is best for you”