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There are over seven million student-athletes who play high school sports in America. Football rosters list more than a million of those athletes, and smaller sports, like soccer, have over 600,000 teen competitors per year. Yet, in NCAA Division I, college athletics' biggest arena, only 151,000 students play intercollegiate sports. (Division II has 75,000 athletes) So what are the odds of, a high school basketball player making it to play big-time on the college hardwood? Less than 1 in 100.

What should high school athletes be doing to earn a scholarship -- or find a place on a college team?

The Solution is in Your Actions

Athletes can reach out to college programs, become informed, inspired, and organized about reverse recruiting, improve skills, and must be persistent to have the best chance of having a successful college sports experience.

1)Send personal letters or e-mails with your basic information directly to college coaches. Its necessary for all but the top 2% that are elite high school athletes.
2)Attend a camp hosted by a college sports team to get an idea of your talent level and meet college coaching staff members who can evaluate your skills.
3)Of course, joining the rat race of competing and playing your sports year round or working with a private coach or club team are ways to increase your skill level and better your chances of becoming a standout athlete.
4)Follow up when coaches send letters to you. Make follow up phone calls about the letters and e-mails you have sent.
5)Balance in academic and athletics is always part of the recruiting game. Getting a college degree through your sports experience should be part of the larger goal.

Teenage athletes in the top cities in America are training at a high level. Athletes with dreams of competing at Americas top sports universities should have a gameplan for action that will lead them on the path to finding a successful college sports experience.

FOR MORE DETAILS OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT www.athleticinspiration.com

Author Laura Mitchell is a former NCAA Head College Basketball Coach, NCAA two-sport athlete, and High School Volleyball and Basketball Coach. Mitchell was also an outreach academic counselor for the University of California's Central Section. She is the CEO of Sports Dreammakers and the college sports counselor for America's largest charter school. Mitchell travels the country offering her workshops and seminars to student-athletes and parents who seek information about how to make their dream of playing college sports a reality. For more info visit http://www.athleticinspiration.com