The Recruiting Timeline Calendar
A year‑by‑year guide for high school athletes & parents
The biggest mistake families make? Waiting too long to start. College coaches are identifying recruits earlier than ever. This guide walks you through exactly what to do each year – from freshman year through senior year.
The Golden Rule of Recruiting: The early bird gets recruited. Start NOW, whatever year you are. Even if you're a senior, there are still opportunities.
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)
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Register with NCAA | End of junior year |
| Submit final transcript | After senior year graduation |
| SAT/ACT scores sent | Before signing period |
Signing Periods
| Sport | Early Signing | Regular Signing |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball/Softball D1 | November | April |
| Baseball/Softball D2 | November | August |
| D3/NAIA/JUCO | Rolling admissions | |
Quick Reference Calendar
| Month | Junior Year | Senior Year |
|---|---|---|
| August | Send schedule, update video | Send schedule |
| September | Email coaches | Official visits |
| October | Attend camps | Early apps |
| November | Update coaches | Early signing |
| December | Follow up | Broaden list |
| January | Send winter updates | Apply |
| February | Respond to coaches | Senior season starts |
| March | Play, update coaches | Play, update |
| April | Camps, visits | Signing (April) |
| May | Finish strong | Graduate! |
| June | Showcase season | Prepare for college |
Monthly Reminders (All Years)
Every Month: Update coaches with new game footage, check email daily – reply within 24 hours, keep grades up.
Every 3 Months: Re‑test metrics, update highlight video, review and expand school list.
Every 6 Months: Take SAT/ACT (if needed), meet with high school coach, update NCAA Eligibility Center.