NCAA Division I
The largest programs, budgets and audiences. Athletic scholarships are available. The most competitive level for roster spots.
Recruiting resources
Understand How College Recruiting Actually Works.
One of our biggest goals is helping families understand the process. The more families understand it, the better decisions they can make.
Levels of college athletics
You Don’t Need to Be a 5-Star Athlete to Have Options
There are opportunities across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, JUCO and other collegiate levels. The key is finding the right level, right school, right academic fit and right opportunity.
NCAA Division II
A balance of athletics and academics. Partial athletic scholarships are common and are often combined with academic aid.
NCAA Division III
The largest division by number of schools. No athletic scholarships, but academic and need-based aid can make strong academic fits affordable.
NAIA
Smaller colleges with their own governing body and eligibility center. Athletic scholarships are available and recruiting rules are more flexible.
Junior College (NJCAA)
Two-year programs that can be a path to develop athletically, strengthen academics and transfer to a four-year program.
Not sure which level fits?
Finding the correct level is one of the most important parts of recruiting. Start with a $110 Recruiting Evaluation.
Start Your EvaluationAcademics matter
Grades Can Create Opportunities
Recruiting isn’t only about athletics. Strong academics may expand the number of colleges an athlete can consider and potentially create additional academic scholarship opportunities. We encourage every student-athlete to take the classroom as seriously as their sport.
The goal isn’t simply to become a college athlete. The goal is to use athletics and academics to create opportunities for your future.
Academics can impact
- AdmissionsCollege admissions
- EligibilityNCAA / NAIA
- ScholarshipsAthletic & academic
- OptionsMore schools to consider
Your GPA is part of your recruiting profile.
Recruiting education
What We Teach Athletes and Parents
We educate athletes and parents about the topics that shape a recruiting journey — so nobody is making a five-figure decision on guesswork.
Topics we cover
- NCAA recruiting
- NAIA recruiting
- JUCO opportunities
- Recruiting calendars
- Contact periods
- College camps
- Scholarships
- Roster opportunities
- Academic requirements
- Communicating with coaches
- Offers and verbal commitments
- Campus visits
- Recruiting timelines
- NIL and athlete branding
Follow your path. Ignore the noise.
Control What You Can Control.
Rankings, offers, social media, other athletes committing, parents comparing their children, club politics — none of those should control your recruiting journey. Everybody’s timeline is different: do the work, then allow the recruiting process to develop.
FAQ
Questions Families Ask Us Most
Can you guarantee my athlete a scholarship?
No legitimate recruiting service should guarantee a scholarship or college offer. College coaches make recruiting decisions. Our role is to help athletes develop a strategy, gain exposure, communicate professionally and pursue programs where opportunities may exist.
When should recruiting start?
Recruiting education can begin early. Younger athletes can focus on development, academics and learning the process, while older athletes may require a more aggressive outreach strategy.
Do you only work with Division I athletes?
No. Finding the correct level is one of the most important parts of recruiting. We help families explore opportunities across multiple collegiate levels.
Do rankings matter?
They can create exposure, but rankings don’t determine whether an athlete can play college sports. College coaches evaluate athletes based on their own program needs.
Should athletes attend camps?
The right camps can be extremely valuable. We encourage athletes to attend camps strategically instead of spending money simply to say they attended.
Are academics important in recruiting?
Absolutely. Academics can impact admissions, eligibility and scholarship opportunities.
Can you help athletes communicate with coaches?
Yes. Learning how to introduce yourself, ask questions, follow up and communicate confidently with college coaches is an important part of our recruiting process.
Do you only work with athletes in Arizona?
No. Coach Fish Recruiting is based in Arizona and works with student-athletes nationwide. Recruiting strategy, coach outreach, exposure and education all happen wherever you are.
Questions and answers will appear here shortly.
Every athlete’s journey is different, so we don’t promise scholarships or offers. What we do promise is a commitment to helping athletes become better prepared, better informed and better positioned to pursue legitimate opportunities.
Still have questions?
Let’s Talk About Your Athlete.
Reach out and we’ll help you understand where your athlete stands and what comes next.