Where Do I Start?

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“When Should We Start the College Search?” A Guide for Parents of Student-Athletes

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “How do we know when to start the college search?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but the best place to start isn’t with rankings or scholarships. It starts with your child.

Before looking at athletic programs, conferences, or divisions, ask your athlete the most important question of all: “Is this something you really want to pursue at the collegiate level?”

💡 You Don’t Need to Be a “Freak Athlete” to Compete in College

The great news? Your child doesn't need to be an Olympic hopeful to enjoy competing in college. There are a wide range of options:

• NCAA Division I – Often seen as the most competitive level, with the biggest budgets, top-tier facilities, and high expectations. Many athletes here have pro aspirations, and now benefit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in addition to full scholarships.

  
  

• Division II and III – Offer a balance of competition and academics. D3 schools, in particular, don’t offer athletic scholarships, but can provide generous academic and merit aid.

  
  

• NAIA and Junior Colleges – Great stepping stones with solid coaching, playing time, and opportunities to grow both athletically and academically.

  
  

But rather than obsess over divisions and rankings, start with something more personal.

🧭 Start with the Athlete: Who Are They, and Who Do They Want to Be?

I’ve seen many families make the wrong decision because they approached the search backward — starting with the school or division instead of the athlete’s goals and identity.

This happens with academically gifted students too, but when you add athletics to the equation, things get even murkier. The pressure to perform on both fronts can be intense.

That’s why I encourage every family to take a step back and reflect honestly.

✅ Questions to Ask Your Student-Athlete

Use these questions as conversation starters with your child:

• What do you love about your sport?

• Are you willing to sacrifice parts of the “normal” college experience to compete?

• Can you handle the academic pressure while managing your athletic responsibilities?

• Do you want that kind of pressure?

• What are your non-negotiables when choosing a school (e.g., location, academics, team culture)?

• Do you value individual development or team success more?

• Would you still want to attend this school if the coach left?

• Do you want a balance between athletics and academics, or does one take priority?

• Are you okay with not starting your first year?

• What kind of coaching style helps you thrive? (Direct, calm, loud, supportive, demanding, etc.)

• Do you connect with the current team culture?

• Do you want to build something or join a program that’s already established?

These questions aren’t just about sports — they’re about identity, priorities, and purpose.

🛑 Sometimes the Answer Is “No” — And That’s OK

After this honest assessment, you may realize college athletics isn’t the right path — and that’s perfectly okay.

Too many student-athletes, especially at the higher levels where scholarships are involved, are pushed into collegiate sports as a means to an end — to “pay the bills” or justify years of investment. But when the motivation isn’t aligned, the emotional and mental toll can be steep.

The college journey should be rooted in your child’s genuine passion, goals, and self-awareness — not in pressure, pride, or financial trade-offs.

📍 Final Thoughts

The college search should begin when your child is ready to reflect seriously on what they want out of their sport, their education, and their future. It's never too early to start the conversation — but make sure the athlete is in the driver’s seat.

And if you’re still unsure? That’s where trusted guidance makes a difference. Whether you're navigating D1 pressure or looking for the right fit at a D3 school, I help families and athletes build a strategy that supports the whole person, not just the player.

Let’s talk — I offer free consultations to help you get clear on your next steps.