So, you want to be a college athlete?

Everything You Need to Get Ready to be an NCAA or NAIA Athlete Post-High School

What is the NCAA?

NCAA stands for National Collegiate Athletics Association, and they are the governing body for all Division 1, 2, and 3 athletics in the United States. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. are categorized within the NCAA. The main differences between the divisions are the student body size, level of competitiveness, and budget. D1 schools typically have larger budgets, larger student bodies, and more competitive programs, whereas D2 and 3 schools tend to have smaller athletic programs and focus on academic excellence and competition. It’s all about finding the RIGHT FIT!!

What is NAIA?

NAIA stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and it functions similarly to the NCAA, but is a much smaller association. Schools in the NAIA are also 4-year colleges and universities that offer athletic programming, but typically at a much smaller level than NCAA schools. There are fewer schools and championships, for instance, in the NAIA, than the NCAA, and they are also focused on academics as well as athletics.

How do I know what division my schools are in?

The NCAA and the NAIA both have a search function to find schools in their divisions and conferences. Most college and university websites will also list their division and conference on their athletics page!

NCAA School Directory

NAIA School Search

What do I need to do to be eligible?

First, fill out the Interest Form! Then, for NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 schools, you will need to create a profile through the NCAA Clearing House and complete their eligibility requirements. You also need to create a profile for Division 3 or if you are undecided, but the qualifications are a bit different!

Division 1 Eligibility Requirements

Division 2 Eligibility Requirements

Click HERE for the full NCAA College Bound Student Athlete Guide

For NAIA you also have to register to meet eligibility requirements, but they’re a little different from the NCAA requirements. Use the NAIA Eligibility Center to create a profile!

Click HERE for the full NAIA College Bound Student Athlete Guide!

If I have more questions or need help, who can I go to?

We have so many staff members here to support you as you make the transition from high school to collegiate athletics. Make sure to talk to your coach about your interest in college athletics and reach out to any of the staff members below for more information!

Other Useful Links & Information:

NCAA D 1 & 2 Recruiting Calendars

NCAA Recruiting Fact Sheet

6 Things You Need to Do | Article

Study: College Athletes Have Better Academic, Life Outcomes

Donnie Siel - Athletic Director
- Student Services Office; dsiel@pps.net
Brittany Warren - College Coordinator
- bwarrentonkins@pps.net
Maritza Mendez & Rebecca Norman - School Counselors
- mmendez@pps.net ; rnorman@pps.net
Janita Badon - Student Success Supervisor (Athletics)
- jbadon@pps.net