How To Earn A D1 Football Scholarship (Brutally Honest Advice To My Younger Self)
The journey to earning a Division 1 football scholarship is not an easy one, especially if you’re like me—someone who didn’t have the physical attributes often associated with top players. Standing at 5’7” and weighing 150 pounds, I had to find alternative routes to secure my spot. If I could go back and mentor my high school self, this is the brutally honest advice I would give. This advice is specifically for parents and varsity football players who aspire to earn a college football scholarship.
1. There is No Failure, Only Your Next Play
The biggest obstacles hindering your progress are often internal—fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of what others think. These fears prevent you from taking crucial steps like reaching out to coaches and promoting yourself. Let go of the belief that if you’re good enough, coaches will find you. This mindset, stemming from ego and insecurity, is detrimental.
Overcoming these fears doesn’t mean they go away; it means taking actions despite them. Focus on your next play, rather than the overarching goal of earning a scholarship. For instance, send six emails, six DMs, or make six phone calls—daily actions that move you forward. When you concentrate on these smaller tasks, you minimize fear and maximize productivity.
2. Build Your Identity of Who You Need to Be
Your identity shapes your actions. Many athletes avoid self-promotion because they label themselves as shy or unsuited for sales. These are just identities you've chosen. You have the power to decide who you want to be. Embrace a mindset of relentlessness and go after what you want with everything you have.
Confidence and effective communication play crucial roles in the recruiting process. Coaches prefer hearing directly from athletes rather than through handlers or parents. Start building relationships by providing value to others. Whether it’s helping a coach, a teammate, or a community member, focus on adding value and building genuine connections.
3. Build Your Confidence
Confidence is crucial in both the recruiting process and life. It’s built through knowing what you’re doing and accumulating evidence of your success. You can’t fake confidence; it comes from consistent action and gradual achievements. Focus on small wins like sending those six emails or making those six phone calls. Each small victory builds your confidence, paving the way for bigger wins.
Over time, this confident persona will become second nature. Stay consistent in your efforts to maintain and grow your confidence. Remember, confidence in recruiting is akin to confidence on the football field—it grows through regular, dedicated practice.
Real-Life Application
All this advice isn’t just theoretical; it’s what I wished someone had told me during my high school years. The recruiting landscape is highly competitive, with coaches overseeing vast numbers of players. You must stand out by taking initiative, showing confidence, and building relationships.
Lastly, the skills and habits you develop during this process will benefit you beyond football. Life, like football, has its challenges and your ability to approach them with confidence and a relentless mindset will serve you well. Embrace every opportunity, fight through your fears, and focus on your next play. The world is full of possibilities if you are willing to look past small hurdles and relentlessly pursue your goals.
Conclusion
Navigating the path to a Division 1 scholarship is challenging but following this brutally honest advice can set you on the right path. Focus on your next play, build the identity of someone who relentlessly goes after what they want, and consistently work on building and maintaining your confidence. These principles not only apply to securing a football scholarship but also preparing you for the larger game of life. Stay relentless, stay focused, and the world can be yours.
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