Tips To Get Recruited For D1 Running?!

runnergirlaz2022 wrote:

Hi! I'm a senior, but I'm actually in the same boat as you. I began running as a sophomore, without any prior athletic experience. However, I quickly improved, finishing 2nd on my team and in the top 25 overall at the state meet this season. I began by contacting coaches at academically strong D3 schools (think: NYU, Williams, Tufts, etc.) this past summer. Some of them were very interested and made me offers. This winter, I contacted the coaches at the D1 schools I applied to, stressing my high grades and SAT score as well as my potential for improvement. I'd suggest that you do the same - I heard back from three of the six coaches I emailed! They were all very supportive, with some even setting up meetings with me or sending me their recruiting standards, telling me they believed I had the potential to meet them this year. Don't give up, and don't listen to the haters on this thread. Although many people on this site seem to be genuine fans, many of them are middle-aged men who have peaked in their running careers, or who are armchair experts about running. Best of luck to you!

(My pr's are sub-19 for 3 mile, sub-20 for 5k, sub-5:30 for 1600, and 12:11 for 3200.).

runnergirlaz2022 wrote:

Hi! I'm a senior, but I'm actually in the same boat as you. I began running as a sophomore, without any prior athletic experience. However, I quickly improved, finishing 2nd on my team and in the top 25 overall at the state meet this season. I began by contacting coaches at academically strong D3 schools (think: NYU, Williams, Tufts, etc.) this past summer. Some of them were very interested and made me offers. This winter, I contacted the coaches at the D1 schools I applied to, stressing my high grades and SAT score as well as my potential for improvement. I'd suggest that you do the same - I heard back from three of the six coaches I emailed! They were all very supportive, with some even setting up meetings with me or sending me their recruiting standards, telling me they believed I had the potential to meet them this year. Don't give up, and don't listen to the haters on this thread. Although many people on this site seem to be genuine fans, many of them are middle-aged men who have peaked in their running careers, or who are armchair experts about running. Best of luck to you!

(My pr's are sub-19 for 3 mile, sub-20 for 5k, sub-5:30 for 1600, and 12:11 for 3200.).

hs girls coach wrote:

Here's the advice/timeline for my athletes:

1. Spring of junion year - Run fast, talk to your parents about what you can afford for college, make a list of wants and needs in a college (location, major, size, cost, etc.)

2. Summer after junior year - Make a list of schools that meet your criteria above. Include at least 2 different levels of competition. Fill out questionnaires from the their websites. Schedule academic visits at your top 3-5 choice and email those coaches directly. Let them know when you will be in town for the academic tour and see if they are available for a brief meeting.

3. Fall/early winter - Schedule official/unofficial visits for your top athletic choices where you can meet the team. This is usually where financial conversations take place.

I've had several students go through the recruiting process this year, one with very similar PRs to you. She ultimately decided on a D2 program, but would have been able to walk onto a number of smaller, less competitive D1s in the region. She ultimately decided the finances of the D2 and being a on more competitive team at that level were a more important factor than going D1.

runnergirlaz2022 wrote:

Hi! I'm a senior, but I'm actually in the same boat as you. I began running as a sophomore, without any prior athletic experience. However, I quickly improved, finishing 2nd on my team and in the top 25 overall at the state meet this season. I began by contacting coaches at academically strong D3 schools (think: NYU, Williams, Tufts, etc.) this past summer. Some of them were very interested and made me offers. This winter, I contacted the coaches at the D1 schools I applied to, stressing my high grades and SAT score as well as my potential for improvement. I'd suggest that you do the same - I heard back from three of the six coaches I emailed! They were all very supportive, with some even setting up meetings with me or sending me their recruiting standards, telling me they believed I had the potential to meet them this year. Don't give up, and don't listen to the haters on this thread. Although many people on this site seem to be genuine fans, many of them are middle-aged men who have peaked in their running careers, or who are armchair experts about running. Best of luck to you!

(My pr's are sub-19 for 3 mile, sub-20 for 5k, sub-5:30 for 1600, and 12:11 for 3200.).

Another hs coach wrote:

runnergirlaz2022 wrote:

Hi! I'm a senior, but I'm actually in the same boat as you. I began running as a sophomore, without any prior athletic experience. However, I quickly improved, finishing 2nd on my team and in the top 25 overall at the state meet this season. I began by contacting coaches at academically strong D3 schools (think: NYU, Williams, Tufts, etc.) this past summer. Some of them were very interested and made me offers. This winter, I contacted the coaches at the D1 schools I applied to, stressing my high grades and SAT score as well as my potential for improvement. I'd suggest that you do the same - I heard back from three of the six coaches I emailed! They were all very supportive, with some even setting up meetings with me or sending me their recruiting standards, telling me they believed I had the potential to meet them this year. Don't give up, and don't listen to the haters on this thread. Although many people on this site seem to be genuine fans, many of them are middle-aged men who have peaked in their running careers, or who are armchair experts about running. Best of luck to you!

(My pr's are sub-19 for 3 mile, sub-20 for 5k, sub-5:30 for 1600, and 12:11 for 3200.).

You’re saying the Williams and Tufts coaches offered you a slot and you turned them down to roll the dice? Just to run D1? I wouldn’t advise most student athletes to make that sort of decision. Williams is a great program and fantastic school. I can’t see turning down a sure thing admission there just to walk on at a D1.