Students Wanting to Play a Sport in College:

A few key points:
1. The importance of academics. This begins the freshman year!
2. Rules vary from NCAA, NAIA and Jr. Colleges.
Be informed on requirements and registration guidelines.
3. Be realistic about athletic ability and commitment to compete at
the next level.
4. Research and be realistic about scholarships.
Full rides are few and far between.
5. Recruiters are not likely to come to you; be prepared to make contracts and market.
Don't give up or wait for them to come to you.
6. The junior year of competition is key.
7. Rules, opportunities, and recruiting tendencies vary greatly from sport to sport, level to level, school to school. Do your research.

If you want to play Division I or Division II, you must register with the NCAA during your senior year. Cost is $80 (can be waived if you used a waiver for the ACT) and there are eligibility requirements. You must have ACT send your scores to NACC. Code is 9999. Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org to register and see more info.

If you want to play at a smaller college, you could play under the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Requirements (must meet 2 of the 3): ACT of 18, GPA of 2.0, and/or graduate in the upper half of your class. You have to register with NAIA. Cost $80 (can be waived if you used a waiver for the ACT OR if you get free/reduced lunch). Also, you must have ACT send your scores to NAIA. Code is 9876. Go to www.playnaia.org to register. Below is a list of participating colleges:

Midland Conference

College of the Ozarks
St. Louis College of Pharmacy