A lot of the questions we receive here at SportsForce Recruiting have to do with athletic scholarships. As you are probably finding out the hard way, the college recruiting process can be very difficult and confusing. A lot of the confusion comes from athletic scholarships and what is actually available for student-athletes in their perspective sports.

Many families are very stressed over finding athletic scholarships! To help families alleviate the stress, and have a better understanding about athletic scholarships, we have created our Athletic Scholarships Available Guide.

Over the next couple of weeks we are going to take a closer look at specific sports and breakdown what scholarships are actually available and the competition for these scholarships.

We’re going to start off by taking an in-depth look at College Baseball Recruiting.

While there are a decent amount of baseball scholarship opportunities available at the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels, there is also an abundance of talented high school baseball players competing for all of these different scholarship opportunities.

Below is a chart that shows all of the schools that offer baseball and the baseball scholarships that are available at each level:

*Number of scholarships varies

*** Division 3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships ***

 

Baseball Participation by the Numbers:

• 473,500 baseball players at the high school level
• 10,400 go on to play DI baseball (About 2% of all HS players)
• 20,200 go on to play DII or DIII baseball (About 4% of all HS players)
• 6,300 go on to play NAIA baseball (About 1% of all HS players)
• 15,300 go on to play at Junior College (About 3% of all HS players)

In summary, only about 11% of all high school baseball players actually end up playing some level of college baseball.

So, not only is the recruiting and athletic-scholarship process confusing, but it is also super competitive! That is why it is very important for you to understand where you stand in the college recruiting process and what schools you should be realistically going after when you are creating your college target list.

A few tips for maximizing your scholarship opportunities:

• Scholarships aren’t based solely on talent
• Schools also make their “target list” and look for athletes that will be a good fit
• Many schools are looking for athletes that have a good academic standing
• “Full Ride” scholarships are VERY RARE – partial scholarships are more likely
• There are many more opportunities outside the top Division I schools
• If you are looking to walk on, there are still scholarship opportunities available
• BE OPEN to all levels of competition to maximize your opportunities

Remember, even though the recruiting and scholarship process is difficult and confusing, it doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone! We are here to help provide you with expert guidance and the tips and tools necessary to maximize your opportunities.

 

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Elgin Community College? I decided to sign with Elgin Community College due to its rich program history and how great of a feeder program it has. There have been many players signed to big Division 1 schools out of Elgin and that’s my goal. I also know I can get my core classes out of the way and be prepared to go into my field of engineering. The goal at Elgin is to get stronger and put on some weight to add muscle and throw harder. I am already on a workout program for them and I’m excited to see results. 2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete? Being able to continue to play baseball at the collegiate level is a feeling not many people can have. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and it’s great to know that if you can set your mind to something, you can achieve it. 3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited? Getting recruited is a VERY difficult task. You have to be seen at the right time by the right people. You have to go where you feel right because if you don’t fall in love with the college that you’ll be at for quite some time, you will hate it. I was scouted by Division 1 schools, but I really didn’t get any offers. My dream has always been to play Division 1 baseball and that’s why I decided to take the Juco route. You have to make the most of your opportunities because you can only play baseball for so long, and you do not want to have regrets later in life. 4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why? My mom, she has always been very supportive of all my sports and activities. She is extremely busy with work nearly every day of the week, but still manages to find time to come and watch me play baseball, no matter where it is. I can give credit to Pat Fosnacht for teaching me the ways of baseball and I am extremely thankful for everything he did. 5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career? First off, I want to get an invite to the NJCAA World Series while I’m at Elgin and hopefully win it. My next step would be getting recruited to a big Division 1 school to play the rest of my career and hopefully get to the NCAA World Series. My overall biggest goal is to get drafted, no matter where or when, and have that opportunity that so few get.   Our Mission at SportsForce Baseball: We are on a mission to help our select number of qualified and evaluated players maximize their recruiting offers and make the best college decision. Started by CEO & founder Andrew Beinbrink, SportsForce Baseball is a nationally recognized college recruiting advisory group with over 40 former college coaches, players, and MLB scouts in 10 different states. During the last 11+ years, we’ve helped over 1,000 players make their college commitments. Read below, why we are different from every recruiting group in the country. Why SportsForce is Different: * View our Home Page Video Unlike most recruiting companies, we do not just partner with anyone for our hands-on recruiting programs. Instead, we only partner with qualified players who meet our Five academic, athletic, and coachability selection factors. We evaluate between 10,000-12,000 players each summer and fall at top showcases and selectively advise, and advocate for only a limited number of players each year by directly contacting college coaches to help them maximize recruiting offers. Each of our expert college recruiters is limited to how many players they will advise so there is the best combination of hands-on guidance and personal recruiting outreach to college coaches. Social Media Exposure: We also utilize our growing Twitter following at @SportsForceBB which is followed by over 500 NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide and growing fast. To Get Evaluated by Our Expert College Recruiting Staff: Option 1: Complete our Recruiting Questionnaire Option 2: Email us at scouting@sportsforceonline.com Options 3: DM us on Instagram @SportsForceBB or Twitter @SportsForceBB and share recent video, stats, or measurables (velocity, 60, exit speed, pop time, etc…) for our scouts to evaluate. Find out if Your Son’s Qualifies for One of Our Hands-On Recruiting Programs? Twitter Recruiting Education & College Needs Posts: We post ongoing recruiting education and post NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC needs year around. Follow us on Twitter @SportsForceBB account and join over 500 hundred NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide that follow us and growing fast. Tagging us: If you have some good video to share with us, make sure to tag us @SportsForceBB or DM us and we will review it.

1. Why did you decide to sign with Daytona State College? I was talking with the coaches back and forth for a while after I went to a showcase at Daytona State, toured some of the campuses and learned about the program, I knew it was a good place to start my baseball career and education. After I had Tommy John surgery on June 30, 2011, they were one of the very few schools that still stayed in touch with me and checked out how my rehab was going, so I felt comfortable with them from the beginning of the recruiting process. 2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete? It really is such a blessing. Everyone dreams of playing in that next level and for me to be able to have a chance to play in college, after missing my senior year injured, it’s truly overwhelming at times. 3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited? All I can say is play like every game is your last, go the extra mile, run when others aren’t, stay positive if something isn’t going your way and have a short memory. Mistakes are made when your mind isn’t on the task at hand. Also, being willing to go up to a coach and initiate a conversation or introducing yourself in a professional way really makes an impact. 4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why? It would have to be my father. He was an All-American athlete when he was in high school for soccer and baseball and played both sports exceptionally well at Rollins College in Winter Park. He knows what it takes to get to the next level and he put all of the time he could into helping me get where I am today. When I didn’t want to work he pushed me to get out there and keep getting better. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made it past little league without his coaching and motivation. 5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career? Staying healthy and having a quality education that is paid for. I love baseball, but I was raised to know my education comes first. After coming off major surgery, staying healthy is my main focus and the success will come with the hard work I put in each and every day.   Our Mission at SportsForce Baseball: We are on a mission to help our select number of qualified and evaluated players maximize their recruiting offers and make the best college decision. Started by CEO & founder Andrew Beinbrink, SportsForce Baseball is a nationally recognized college recruiting advisory group with over 40 former college coaches, players, and MLB scouts in 10 different states. During the last 11+ years, we’ve helped over 1,000 players make their college commitments. Read below, why we are different from every recruiting group in the country. Why SportsForce is Different: * View our Home Page Video Unlike most recruiting companies, we do not just partner with anyone for our hands-on recruiting programs. Instead, we only partner with qualified players who meet our Five academic, athletic, and coachability selection factors. We evaluate between 10,000-12,000 players each summer and fall at top showcases and selectively advise, and advocate for only a limited number of players each year by directly contacting college coaches to help them maximize recruiting offers. Each of our expert college recruiters is limited to how many players they will advise so there is the best combination of hands-on guidance and personal recruiting outreach to college coaches. Social Media Exposure: We also utilize our growing Twitter following at @SportsForceBB which is followed by over 500 NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide and growing fast. To Get Evaluated by Our Expert College Recruiting Staff: Option 1: Complete our Recruiting Questionnaire Option 2: Email us at scouting@sportsforceonline.com Options 3: DM us on Instagram @SportsForceBB or Twitter @SportsForceBB and share recent video, stats, or measurables (velocity, 60, exit speed, pop time, etc…) for our scouts to evaluate. Find out if Your Son’s Qualifies for One of Our Hands-On Recruiting Programs? Twitter Recruiting Education & College Needs Posts: We post ongoing recruiting education and post NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC needs year around. Follow us on Twitter @SportsForceBB account and join over 500 hundred NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide that follow us and growing fast. Tagging us: If you have some good video to share with us, make sure to tag us @SportsForceBB or DM us and we will review it.

1. Why did you decide to sign with Coffeeville Community College?

I chose Coffeyville because I think it’s the best place for me to get some quality playing time as a freshman and develop as a better ball player.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m super excited, being known as a college baseball player is a rush to the self-esteem. It really makes me feel like all the hard work paid off.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

If you’re not getting noticed by universities, don’t be ashamed to go to a community college. If you wanna play right away, it’s the best fit for you.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Angelo Giacalone, father of recent Alumni Adam Giacalone from Neosho CC, now in the Brewers farm system. He taught me the mental and physical side of the game to improve my overall quality and he’s always helping me out.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would like to go D1 after a year or two at Coffeyville and most certainly want to continue after that to the pros.

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Northeastern State University?

Coach Janssen just sold the program to me from the start. He and his staff have already turned the program around in his first season. His coaching style fits my playing style!!

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

It’s just an amazing feeling knowing I’m going to college. On top of that, I’m one of a select few that get to play the game I love at the college level. All the hard work over the years is paying off!!

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Work hard on & off the field, grades are everything! Promote yourself as much as you can with videos, showcases & email coaches!

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My parents & family, they have been in the stands for every game, win or lose!!

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

My degree comes first! Then I would like to become an All-Conference Baseball player & and at some point, be taken in the MLB Draft!!

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Southwest Baptist University?

I decided on Southwest Baptist because of how honest and straightforward Coach Martin was. He really made me feel welcome on my visits and made me feel like I could come in and make as big of an impact as I wanted to. Coach Martin works really hard to make SBU a great place to play, and I started feeling that vibe as soon as I met him.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

When I signed to play at Southwest Baptist, I was incredibly excited to be taking the next step in my baseball career. I had never really doubted that I had the ability to play ball somewhere, but I was ecstatic to find a place like SBU. I couldn’t wait for class to start so I could start working out with the team and Coach Martin.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The best advice I can give is to just make yourself somebody that you would want to coach. If you can make yourself presentable, I believe that you have a legitimate shot at being noticed. Be respectful when you meet a coach, even if they’re not interested in you, because who knows who they could be in contact with.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence in my sports career has probably been my Dad. He taught me baseball from a very early age. Without his guidance and knowledge, there is no way I would have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

My goals for my collegiate career would be to become the best I can be on the mound, and really make strides towards making the MLB draft. I am ready to work hard and do everything I can to realize my goals.

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Tennessee Wesleyan College?

I decided to choose Tennessee Wesleyan College because they are my hometown college. I grew up 5 minutes from the college. They also have an amazing winning tradition. Winning their first NAIA world series this year.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

Being a college student-athlete has been a dream of mine. I’ve worked hard in and out in the classroom to get here.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

I would say work as hard as you can every day and never give up on your dream. Never let someone tell you that you can’t.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Oh, most defiantly my dad. He coached me and taught me everything he knew and has taken me to more games than I can count. He has pushed me and I thank him daily. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to have a healthy 4 years and hopefully fulfill my childhood dream of playing pro ball.

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Salem International University?

This was one of the biggest decisions I have made to date. At every college, I had a checklist used when gathering information in order to make the best possible informed decision. SIU scored highest on my most important criteria: Academics, Athletics, and Location. Then the coach, players, and staff sealed the deal by treating me like family from the first moment.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I can not put into words the excitement and anticipation of playing D2 baseball in college. Football was a close second, but ever since my T-ball days as a 5-year-old, it has been my dream to one day play college baseball.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Sell, sell, sell and sell yourself some more. You must get your name out there in any way, as long as it is a positive way. Do not put this task into the hands of someone else as nobody can care as much about the final outcome as you. It’s a cliché, but do not give up hope until the fat lady sings. I had several surprises and great offers come in the weeks following my NLI signing.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My parents are my support system. My dad took me into my teenage years with baseball knowledge. After that, I leaned on anybody involved with playing the game at the next level, especially Kyle Wagner and Billy White from GoWags, my indoor training facility.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

Win the division all four years and make it to the D2 college world series. I also want to be a four-year starter in order to contribute to the team’s success.

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with the University of Massachusetts Boston?

I decided to play at Umass Boston because I wanted to be a four-year starter. Also, I really liked the academic environment of the school and the area of Boston can’t be beaten when it comes to college towns. The money the school is putting into the athletic program was a huge point in the decision-making process.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I can’t be more excited about playing baseball in college. After excelling in high school, I want to be able to use my talents to play against the best competition in the country.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The advice I would give a high school athlete who wants to play at the next level is to make sure they gain as much exposure as possible, whether it be through videos sent to coaches or attending showcases, make sure to take advantage of every opportunity you get to show your stuff to college coaches.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence in my sports career has been my two coaches who helped me become the player I am today; my high school coach who turned me into a pitcher, and then my pitching coach who perfected my tools as a pitcher.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I want to be able to set school records in pitching categories. I know it might not sound like a realistic goal, but I believe the higher I set my goals, the more room I have to achieve great things. My other goal is to play at the next level after college because it is a game I love and I don’t want to ever have to put my glove down.

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with the Stephen F. Austin State University?

I decided to sign with SFA because it gave me the great opportunity of playing Division 1 ball, as well as being a very reputable school in the teaching field. This gives me the chance to play with, and learn from, some great upperclassmen, and an amazing coaching staff.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m very excited and blessed to have this opportunity! It’s great to finally see all my hard work pay off! It’s very humbling and exciting to be playing at the highest level of college baseball.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

I would advise you to continue to work hard. God has a plan so try not to get frustrated! I know it was hard for me not to question why, but try hard to stay focused and understand there’s a place for you. It’s about being at the right place at the right time!

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence is my family. They’ve sacrificed so much to help support my baseball goals. I’m very appreciative of them for sticking with me and believing in me. They gave me the best they good in terms of equipment and certain select teams so I get the best opportunity possible to get noticed.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to better myself physically and mentally and become the best ball player I can. The stats and winning will take care of themselves if I prepare the right way. But I hope to continue playing as long as I can and when I’m done, I plan to coach high school baseball!

 

Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families