Student-athletes, you will need to be more proactive than ever. You may have had one or more seasons of your sport canceled, which can mean loss of playing time and fewer opportunities to impress college coaches. (College coaches, by the way, may not be going on their typical in-person recruiting trips, either).
Here is a free workbook for student athletes.
Things you can do
Stay fit mentally and physically. Film your workouts and make your own skills reel to complement the game tapes that you do have. Keep your grades up, and prioritize prep for the SAT/ ACT. While many colleges have gone test-optional, student-athletes will still likely have to meet academic eligibility criteria to play a sport in college, which normally includes hitting a minimum SAT/ ACT score. It’s certainly possible that schools may decide to modify these policies in response to COVID, so athletes, stay flexible!)
Keep in touch with your own high school coaches (even if your sports are canceled right now at your school and you’re on what feels like a permanent off-season). Reach out to college athletics departments and, if you’re able to, meet with the coach of the team you’re interested in. (This doesn’t have to be in-person!) Use your social media (which coaches will look at!) to showcase both your athletic ability and your personality and interests.
Do not assume that a school is not interested in you merely because you have not been approached by a scout during the year. Get your coach to write letters to the schools you are interested in. Don’t sell yourself short either.
If your sport is canceled (and believe me, I really feel for you!), use the opportunity to focus on the whole self, including what makes you YOU beyond sports. Stay sharp. Keep in shape. Remain hopeful. There is a whole crop of students who are going through the same tough time, and you will all come out the other side.