The Recruiting Timeline Calendar

Freshman Year (9th Grade)

Goal: Build a foundation. Coaches won't reach out yet, but you can prepare.

• Get your grades! GPA starts now and is hard to fix later
• Play a fall sport (stay active)
• Start thinking about which positions you enjoy most
• Train consistently (velocity, speed, strength)
• Get your first "baseline" metrics (exit velo, arm strength, 60 time)
• Research 5-10 dream schools – just for fun
• Try out for freshman/JV team in spring
• Play summer ball (local team is fine)
• Attend 1-2 low‑pressure camps (mostly for experience)

Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

Goal: Build your foundation and start your recruiting list.

• Meet with high school coach – ask what you need to improve
• Create a highlight account (private YouTube channel)
• Start list of 20-30 schools that interest you
• Train seriously – this is when players start separating
• Get updated metrics (write them down)
• Attend 1-2 college camps (smaller schools good for exposure)
• Play JV or varsity (earn playing time)
• Ask someone to film your at-bats and defensive plays
• Update your highlight reel with new footage
• Play competitive summer/travel ball
• Attend 2-3 showcases or camps
• Continue building your recruiting list (30-50 schools)

Junior Year (11th Grade) – MOST IMPORTANT

Goal: Coaches start watching NOW.

• Finalize your recruiting list (40-60 schools across multiple levels)
• Research each program: website, roster, recent commits
• Find the correct coach contact info for each school
• Create or update your highlight video (2-3 minutes max)
• Upload to YouTube as Unlisted
• Prepare your email templates
• Start emailing coaches in December
• Continue emailing – add 5-10 new schools each week
• Follow up with coaches who responded
• Update coaches with fall/winter improvements
• Send spring schedule to coaches (games, tournaments, location)
• Respond to any coach inquiries immediately
• Attend camps if invited
• Junior year grades matter A LOT – finish strong
• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
• Take SAT/ACT if you haven't
• PLAY SUMMER BALL – coaches watch most here
• Attend top showcases and tournaments
• Have someone film EVERY game
• Update coaches weekly with schedule/results
• Start getting calls – this is when offers happen!

Senior Year (12th Grade) – Final Stretch

• Continue updating coaches with fall schedule
• Send senior year headshot and updated stats
• Schedule official visits (if you have offers)
• Apply to schools (regular admissions, not just athletic)
• Early Signing Period (November) – be ready
• If you sign, celebrate! If not, keep grinding
• Broaden your list – add more D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO
• Finalize list of schools still recruiting you
• Send holiday greetings (simple, professional)
• Prepare for spring walk-on opportunities if needed
• Regular Signing Period (April) – another chance
• Keep coaches updated on senior season
• Consider JUCO if offers aren't there yet
• Play your heart out – every game matters
• Update coaches with playoff results
• Make final decision by April/May
• Graduate! You did it.
• Prepare for college baseball (summer workouts)