Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Sports Scholarship in the US + 12 Cases

Getting a sports scholarship in the US can be a great way to gain a quality education while also being able to pursue your athletic passion. However, the process of obtaining a sports scholarship can be competitive and challenging. To help you navigate this process, we have created a step-by-step plan on how to get a sports scholarship in the US.

Step 1: Research Eligible Sports The first step in getting a sports scholarship is to identify the sports that are eligible for scholarships. Sports such as football, basketball, and baseball are some of the most common sports that offer scholarships. However, there are also other sports such as tennis, swimming, and soccer that offer scholarships.

Step 2: Create a Highlight Video Creating a highlight video is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a sports scholarship. A highlight video showcases your athletic abilities and achievements and can help grab the attention of college coaches. Make sure your video is well-edited and shows your best performances.

Step 3: Research Colleges After creating a highlight video, the next step is to research colleges that offer sports scholarships in your chosen sport. It is important to look at the academic programs offered by the colleges as well as the sports programs.

Step 4: Contact Coaches Once you have identified the colleges you are interested in, the next step is to contact the coaches. You can do this by sending them your highlight video and an email or letter of interest. Be persistent in your follow-up, but also be patient as coaches receive numerous emails and letters.

Step 5: Participate in Recruiting Events Many colleges host recruiting events where potential student-athletes can showcase their skills and meet with college coaches. Participating in these events can help you gain exposure and make connections with coaches.

Step 6: Apply for Admission Once you have established a relationship with a college coach, the next step is to apply for admission to the college. Make sure you meet all the academic requirements for admission and submit all necessary application materials on time.

Step 7: Secure Your Scholarship After being accepted to a college, the final step is to secure your scholarship. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the scholarship and fulfill any necessary requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA.

Eligibility Criteria By Division

The eligibility criteria for sports scholarships can vary depending on the division level of the university. In this section, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for sports scholarships by division and the specific sports achievements that universities may look for when awarding scholarships.

1. NCAA Division I: Division I colleges and universities are the largest schools with the most athletic programs. Eligibility criteria for Division I sports scholarships include:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum 2.3 GPA in core courses
• A qualifying score on either the ACT or SAT
• An amateur athlete status
• Outstanding sports achievements at the national level, such as state championships, national rankings, or participation in the Junior Olympics

2. NCAA Division II: Division II schools are smaller and have fewer athletic programs than Division I schools. Eligibility criteria for Division II sports scholarships include:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum 2.2 GPA in core courses
• A qualifying score on either the ACT or SAT
• An amateur athlete status
• Outstanding sports achievements at the state or regional level, such as all-conference selection, state championships, or participation in the Junior Olympics

3. NCAA Division III: Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but many offer academic scholarships or financial aid based on need. Eligibility criteria for Division III sports scholarships include:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
• No minimum GPA or standardized test score requirements
• An amateur athlete status
• Outstanding sports achievements at the high school level, such as all-state or all-conference selection, team captain, or MVP

4. NAIA: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers scholarships at member institutions, which are typically smaller schools. Eligibility criteria for NAIA sports scholarships include:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum 2.0 GPA in core courses
• No minimum standardized test score requirements
• An amateur athlete status
• Outstanding sports achievements at the state or regional level, such as all-conference selection, state championships, or participation in the Junior Olympics

Sports achievement criteria may vary by sport, but generally, outstanding athletes will have a record of exceptional performance in their sport, such as setting records, earning championships, and earning recognition at the state or national level. Additionally, athletes may be evaluated on attributes such as physical fitness, skill level, and ability to contribute to the team.

Expert Assistance in Getting Sports Scholarship

Navigating the process of obtaining a sports scholarship in the US can be daunting, but there are resources available to help you. The team at globamba.com is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and athletic goals. Our experienced consultants can provide guidance and support throughout the process of obtaining a sports scholarship. To learn more, sign up for a consultation today.

Eligible Sports

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Track and Field
• Golf
• Wrestling
• Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Know more sports eligible? Please, share in comments!

Examples of Sports Scholarships

Here are a few examples of what a sports scholarship might look like:

1. Full Scholarship: This scholarship covers the cost of tuition, room and board, textbooks, and fees. In addition, the student-athlete receives a stipend for personal expenses. This is the most common type of sports scholarship offered in the United States.
2. Partial Scholarship: This scholarship covers a portion of the cost of tuition, room and board, textbooks, and fees. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the sport, the school, and the student-athlete’s level of skill.
3. Walk-On Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete who is not initially recruited by the school’s coaching staff. The student-athlete must try out for the team and earn a spot on the roster. The scholarship may cover a portion of the student-athlete’s expenses.
4. Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded based on the student-athlete’s academic achievements, such as their GPA and standardized test scores. The student-athlete must also be a member of a varsity team.
5. Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is funded by donors who wish to support student-athletes at a particular school. The scholarship may cover a portion or all of the student-athlete’s expenses.

It’s important to note that the specifics of each scholarship can vary greatly depending on the school and the sport. Additionally, not all sports offer scholarships, so it’s important to do your research and find out which sports at which schools offer scholarships.

List of Sports Scholarships Foundations

One of the most prestigious sports scholarships in the US is the Rhodes Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for two years of postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in England.

Another prestigious sports scholarship is the Fulbright Scholarship, which is awarded to student-athletes who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for one year of postgraduate study at a university abroad.

The Gates Millennium Scholarship is another prestigious sports scholarship that is awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any college or university in the US.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is another prestigious sports scholarship that is awarded to student-athletes who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any college or university in the US.

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), around 2% of high school athletes are awarded a sports scholarship to compete in college. This means that competition for sports scholarships is fierce, and it is important for prospective student-athletes to have a good understanding of the scholarship landscape.

The NCAA awards around $2.7 billion in athletic scholarships each year to more than 180,000 student-athletes in 24 different sports. The largest portion of these scholarships goes to football, with approximately 19,500 scholarships awarded annually. The second largest is track and field/cross country, with over 13,500 scholarships awarded.

The average value of an athletic scholarship in Division I is $18,815 per year, and in Division II it is $8,645 per year. However, it’s worth noting that not all sports offer full scholarships, and some sports may have a limited number of scholarships available. Additionally, academic performance and other factors may also be considered when awarding scholarships.

Other sports that offer a large number of scholarships include basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball. However, it is important to note that there are scholarship opportunities available in a wide range of sports, including those that are less well-known, such as water polo, rowing, and equestrian.

It is also worth noting that many sports scholarships are not full-ride scholarships, but rather partial scholarships that cover a portion of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. The average NCAA scholarship is worth around $8,700, which means that student-athletes may need to supplement their scholarships with other forms of financial aid.

Overall, the statistics suggest that while sports scholarships can be a valuable source of financial aid for student-athletes, they are also highly competitive, and it is important to have a clear understanding of the scholarship landscape and the options available in different sports.Regenerate response

12 Real-life Cases

Here are three real-life cases of scholarship awardees with names of universities and sports:

1. Jessica Beard – Arizona State University, Track and Field: Jessica Beard received a full athletic scholarship to attend Arizona State University where she competed in track and field. She won multiple NCAA titles and went on to represent the United States in the 2012 London Olympics.
2. Carson Wentz – North Dakota State University, Football: Carson Wentz received a full scholarship to play football at North Dakota State University. He had a successful college career and was eventually drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
3. Breanna Stewart – University of Connecticut, Basketball: Breanna Stewart received a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Connecticut. She won four consecutive NCAA championships and was named the tournament’s most outstanding player each year. She was also a three-time national player of the year and went on to play professionally in the WNBA.

When it comes to sports scholarships, the United States is the place to be. With the largest and most well-developed collegiate sports system in the world, the US provides a wealth of opportunities for international student-athletes to pursue their passion while getting a quality education. To give you a better idea of what a sports scholarship can look like, here are three real-life cases of international student-athletes who have received scholarships to play their sport and study in the US.

1. Inki Kim, South Korea – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Women’s golf. Inki Kim received a full-ride scholarship to play golf at UCLA. During her time at the university, she helped the team win the NCAA championship and was named an All-American player. She graduated with a degree in communication studies and went on to play professional golf.
2. Tomoaki Taniguchi, Japan – University of Hawaii at Manoa, Men’s tennis. Tomoaki Taniguchi received a full scholarship to play tennis at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. During his time there, he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Freshman of the Year and was a four-time All-WAC honoree. He graduated with a degree in business and went on to play professional tennis.
3. Nia Ali, Nigeria – University of Southern California (USC), Women’s track and field. Nia Ali received a full scholarship to compete in track and field at USC. She was a seven-time All-American and won the NCAA championship in the 100m hurdles. She went on to compete in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 100m hurdles in 2016 and a bronze medal in the same event in 2021.
4. Martin Iti, Australia – University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Basketball. Martin Iti is a professional basketball player from Australia who won a full scholarship to play for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During his time at the university, he helped the 49ers reach the NCAA tournament in 2005.
5. Rachel Yurkovich, UK – University of Oregon, Javelin. Rachel Yurkovich is a javelin thrower from the United Kingdom who won a full scholarship to the University of Oregon. During her time at the university, she won the NCAA championship in javelin in 2010.
6. Marco Onorati, Italy – Appalachian State University, Soccer. Marco Onorati is a former Italian soccer player who won a full scholarship to play for Appalachian State University. During his time at the university, he helped the Mountaineers win three Southern Conference championships and reach the NCAA tournament twice.
7. Su Lee, South Korea – University of Wisconsin-Madison, Golf. Su Lee was awarded a full scholarship to play golf at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lee was one of the top junior golfers in South Korea and was scouted by several U.S. colleges. With the help of her parents and coaches, Lee put together an impressive application that included academic transcripts, a video of her swing, and personal essays.
8. Ahmed Elmohamady, Egypt – Southern Illinois University, Soccer. Ahmed Elmohamady came to the United States from Egypt on a soccer scholarship to play at Southern Illinois University. He had a successful college career and was eventually drafted by the Major League Soccer team the Chicago Fire. Elmohamady credits his success to the support of his coaches, teammates, and family, as well as his own hard work and dedication to the sport.
9. Mia Nonnenberg, Switzerland – University of Hawaii at Manoa, Swimming. Mia Nonnenberg was awarded a swimming scholarship to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Nonnenberg was a standout swimmer in her home country of Switzerland and was scouted by several U.S. colleges. She chose Hawaii because of its strong swimming program and its location, which was close to her family in Asia. Nonnenberg had a successful college career and even qualified for the Swiss national swimming team.

Assistance in Getting a Scholarship and University Application

Getting a sports scholarship in the US can be a challenging and complex process, especially for international students. To make this process easier and increase your chances of success, you can rely on the expertise of the team at globamba.com. Our experienced professionals can provide comprehensive support and guidance through the scholarship application process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and increase your chances of getting the scholarship you want. To get started, simply sign up for a consultation and let us help you achieve your dreams of getting a sports scholarship in the US.

In conclusion, obtaining a sports scholarship in the US requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. By following these steps and seeking assistance from experts, you can increase your chances of achieving your academic and athletic goals.