Updated Edition of How to Attract A College Athletic Scholarship – Click Here
Sooner or later, every tennis parent asks: Is my child good enough to obtain a college scholarship?
To answer that question, let’s take a more in-depth look at the world of college sports.
“First, college athletics are not recreational activities to dabble in while attending college. College athletics is a business, and the business is winning.”
Frank Giampaolo
The recruiting process begins with recruiting proven winners. Secondly, the athletes should ask themselves what college ball level they are interested in playing. There are various levels, from intermediate to elite skill level status. As you know, not all universities offer athletic scholarships.
There are five divisions of college tennis. They include:
- NCAA Division I
- NCAA Division II
- NCAA Division III
- NAIA
- Junior College (NJCAA)
Reality Check:
Scholarships are offered based on pre-college results. Elite college tennis coaches require years of competitive experience before athletes are accepted to contribute to their squad. Many part-time athletes and their parents think attending a weekly Academy or playing high school tennis merits a college scholarship. The reality is that top college recruits are former junior national and international standouts.
“In the tennis world, approximately 5% of high school tennis players receive an athletic scholarship.”
Survey Conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations, 2019
Training inefficiently or beginning the process too late often negates any real chance of receiving an athletic scholarship or playing at the most elite school of choice. Earning a position on a top college tennis squad begins much earlier than most realize. A dream becomes a reality only after you devise and follow a deliberate customized developmental plan.
“Top College Recruits are Former Junior National and International Standouts”
Frank Giampaolo
The NCAA is not the only system granting athletic scholarships, but it is by far the largest and most influential in the college sporting world. Much of the following information is based on NCAA regulations. Be advised that rules, regulations, and guidelines are updated periodically.
The NCAA dictates the number of athletic scholarships (financial aid) available in Division I and II school sports- with Division I schools receiving more scholarship funds than Division II schools. The NCAA does not allow sports scholarships to be given in Division III schools, which are typically smaller private colleges.
A. THE SCHOLARSHIP BREAKDOWN: HEAD-COUNT SCHOLARSHIPS VERSUS EQUIVALENCY SCHOLARSHIPS
The NCAA has limits on the total financial aid each Division I and II School may award in each sport that the school sponsors. The NCAA divides sponsored sports into “Head-Count” Sports and “Equivalency” Sports.
“Head-Count” Sports: The NCAA limits the number of individuals that can receive athletic scholarships, and each individual will receive a full scholarship- no dividing or sharing of scholarships. (Full Ride Scholarships)
“Equivalency” Sports: The NCAA limits the total financial aid that a school can offer in a given sport to the equivalent of a set number of full scholarships. Scholarship funds may be divided among individuals. A limitation on the number of athletes receiving scholarships or financial aid may or may not apply, depending on the sport. (Partial Scholarships)
It is crucial that you understand the type of scholarships offered by your future college team. Knowing whether your sport is a full-ride scholarship sport (head-count sport) or partial scholarship (equivalency sport) may help guide your search process.
D-1 Full Ride Sports Include:
- DI Men’s Football
- DI Woman’s and Men’s Basketball
- DI Women’s Gymnastics
- DI Women’s Volleyball
- DI Women’s Tennis
All other sports are classified as Equivalencies Sports, meaning the athletic director or coach can slice and dice the scholarships they see fit to fill the team’s annual roster.
B.MEN VERSUS WOMEN SCHOLARSHIPS
Regarding college sports scholarships, men’s football has the greatest number of scholarships. Primarily because of football’s large player roster and huge profit-generating potential for the school. Besides men’s basketball, lose money for the school. So, with football scholarships aside, women’s sports represent a large number of athletic scholarships. Below is an example of the breakdown of the NCAA DI and II Scholarships.
C.SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Scholarships may be granted for one year or multiple years. Generally, a full scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, and required course-related books. Partial scholarships vary from tuition reduction, books, food, etc. Individual negotiation of the scholarship terms will dictate the scholarship package. In other words, scholarships are negotiable.
Scholarships Available Per Team: DI and DII Men (M) and Women (W)
1) Football: DI- 85 M, 0 W; DII- 39 M, 0 W
2) Basketball: DI- 13 M, 15 W; DII- 10 M, 10 W
3) Gymnastics: DI- 6.3 M, 12 W; DII- 5.4 M, 6 W
4) Volleyball: DI- 4.5 M, 12 W; DII- 4.5 M, 8 W
5) Tennis: DI- 4.5 M, 8 W; DII- 4.5 M, 6 W
College athletic teams are very demanding. Most college athletes dedicate much of their time to their sport during their college attendance. An example can be seen in the following NCAA survey:
- College football players spend approximately 43.3 hours a week on their sport.
- College baseball players spend approximately 42.1 hours a week on their sport.
- College basketball players spend approximately 39.1 hours a week on their sport.
“Athletes should view their scholarship funding not as a free ride but as a full-time job.”
Frank Giampaolo
