The National Collegiate Athletic Association estimates there are around 8 million high school athletes in the United States, and only seven percent of those athletes end up playing college sports. Many high school athletes dream of playing at the Division 1 level, while others simply do it for fun. What often goes unnoticed is the intense mental and physical strain that comes with the recruiting process. Athletes who are committed to play at the collegiate level find themselves training year-round, often sacrificing time with family or friends for their sport. Perhaps the most striking part is that these athletes are only 15–17-year-old during their time of being recruited, who are navigating pressure, expectations, and intense training just for a chance at being offered — and for some, the process begins even earlier.
“It is hard talking to a bunch of great coaches and knowing you might not play there, knowing you might not talk to them again. And just stay head up,” Jayden Whiteside (11) the starter QB for Marietta football said.
Athletes have to undergo trial and error with different programs until the perfect one is finally found. However, recruiting is not one-sided. While athletes search for their ideal program, college coaches are also looking for athletes who fit their system and can meet or exceed expectations on their current team. As a result, gaining a coach’s attention can be more difficult for some athletes than others.
“You have to be consistent, and you have to email a lot of coaches. You don’t really take no for an answer,” Charlie Garten (11) player for Marietta baseball said.
It can be disappointing for athletes to discover schools they love with coaches that simply do not need them. As young athletes, it can be difficult to process this type of rejection after working tirelessly toward a long-term goal. For some athletes this can lead to stress and self-doubt, while others learn to find peace and patience within the uncertainty.
“It’s just I have to stay patient, and I have to trust God’s plan for my life that the offers will come when they come,” Devan Plummer (11) Marietta football player said.
Some find that having people to lean on makes the recruiting process easier to manage, no matter how difficult it may be. This could be parents or a coach, or even close friends. Having a strong support system can help athletes manage pressure and stay grounded during moments when the stakes can feel the highest.
“The hardest part is having the confidence to believe in this,” Zola Storino (11) starting midfielder for lacrosse said.
While the recruiting process can open doors for high school athletes, it also comes with emotional challenges that are rarely discussed. Behind highlight clips and college visits are still teenagers learning how to handle rejection, uncertainty, and pressure at an early age. As more attention is placed on athletic success, recognizing the mental and emotional toll of recruiting is essential – not just for athletes, but for the people supporting them along the way.
