Track & Field
Description
Athletics, or track and field, is one of the largest sports by participation numbers in college in the US. Across various athletic organisations and divisions, not only do athletes compete in Outdoor Track and Field, but also indoor and cross country. The more events an athlete can compete in, the higher the chances for scholarship offers. This sport is also one of the most developed and catered to by American universities: world-class indoor and outdoor facilities, the best equipment, coaches and all-round support are provided. At the highest level of college sport, NCAA Division I, 20 members of the last USA Olympic Track and Field Team were still competing at college level. Most recently, Florida State, Texas A&M and Oregon have had the strongest track and field teams comprising of athletes that have competed at World Juniors.
For who?
Be between 18 and 24, so we recommend to start the process the year before graduation from high school.
Which level?
Scholarship for track and field are quite popular, so from a regional to international level, there are scholarships for you.
When to start?
Coaches are starting to recruit people long in advance, so we recommend you start a year before high school graduation
What type of scholarship?
National and international level athletes have greater chances to get 100% scholarships, but there are possibilities for regional level athletes too.
Training and college life
If you decide to start this experience, you will usually train everyday with the team, based on the division in which you will compete you might be asked for more practices to focus both on your technical skills and strength and conditioning trainings in the weight room. At beginning you may not be used to this kind of practice, but it’s just a matter of time and you will then see the results!
Your season starts in August with the academic year and ends with the national championships across all divisions taking place in March and May.
Usually schools offer many services which will help you and assist you during your season, you will have all you need to perform as your best and beyond.
The life of a student-athlete is not only training and studying, you will be part of a team and you will participate in many activities with them, creating bonds which will last forever.
Divisions
Here’s more information about all divisions
NCAA D1
Colleges: 323
12.6 Scholarships for men per team
18.0 Scholarships for women per team
NCAA D2
Colleges: 196
12.6 Scholarships for men per team
18.0 Scholarships for women per team
NAIA
Colleges: 151
12.0 Scholarships for men per team
12.0 Scholarships for women per team
NJCAA
Colleges: 73
20.0 Scholarships for men per team
20.0 Scholarships for women per team