There are roughly 138,000 athletic scholarships available for Division I and Division II sports. In Frisco ISD, around 130 are given out each year.
College scouts look at student athletes about a year before signing commitment, and a verbal commitment is usually called for.
“They have been looking at me since I was 13,” junior Ashlyn Pope said. “It’s great to have everything finally all together and have a commitment to LSU.”
Students get looked at if they recruit coaches, and when certain coaches see their work, they start offering scholarships.
“I’m excited to play for and represent Louisiana State University,” Pope said. “Playing sand volleyball against other D1 athletes has always been my goal.”
Talent never goes unrecognized. After viewing different scholarships options and becoming familiar with coaches, it all falls into place.
Another student, junior Chase Van Dyk, who has verbally committed to play NCAA D1 baseball at the University of Oklahoma has been looking at the benefits and things to know about getting a scholarship.
“I am excited to have a college experience,” Van Dyk said. “I had to work hard every day to get this opportunity.”
Along with the sport, many life impacting opportunities come with each student’s commitment that they will remember for forever.
“One of the things i am most excited for,” Van Dyk said. “Is traveling across the country with my new team at OU.”
Hard work and dedication has gotten student scholarship athletes where they want to be, along with a relationship with the coaches.
Many other students at Reedy High School have verbally committed to other colleges like : Emma LaPinta – OU or SEMO Women’s Gymnastics, Karlina Sample – A&M Women’s Soccer, Rachel Woulfe – SMU Women’s Volleyball, and many other students are being looked at by many different colleges. Official signing day is next year and student athletes around the world will fully commit when they sign at their high school.