Many seniors are grappling with the college applications process right now, but some student athletes had to start this process much earlier. 

 Now these seniors are verbally committed to the application process at their respective schools and must continue to perform well academically while also balancing their final year of high school sports.  

Senior Diya Jain, who is verbally committed to the application process at Carnegie Mellon University for basketball, began the recruiting process in middle school, training on recreational sports teams. 

 “More recently, girls basketball recruitment is starting as early as fifth grade when you attend summer tournaments with your team,” Jain said. 

Senior Nikita Bhasin, who is verbally committed to the application process at Bowdoin College, started the process slightly later, joining her first club field hockey team in ninth grade.   

“A lot of people had joined earlier, so I was relatively late, but my club coaches were helpful, and I practiced two to three times a week and got help on specific things,” said Bhasin. “I also began sending introductory emails to coaches and clinics at the end of ninth grade.” 

The Division III recruitment process typically looks like contact with coaches starting after June 15 of their sophomore year.  

“It was a lot of phone calls, getting to know coaches and then, them coming to see you play at tournaments,” said  senior Jordy Wilkofsky, who is verbally committed to the application process at Bowdoin College. 

 Comparison is a common struggle during the recruiting process, according to Bhasin. 

 “Many athletes learn too late that you’re only competing with yourself and trying to beat your own standards,” Bhasin said.  

Division I schools often emphasize athletic performance over other academic pursuits. They also tend to have an earlier recruitment process.  

Choosing a DIII school was in an attempt to find a college environment where they could find a balance between athletics and academics.  

For Jain, DIII schools offered what she described as the best of both worlds. She wanted to attend an academically strong school while continuing to play basketball but did not want athletics to become the sole focus of her college experience.   

Although DIII athletes may have more flexibility, competing in college still requires significant time and commitment, with athletes still managing a demanding schedule.  

Bhasin said that high school sports have taught her how to manage demanding academics around practices and games, making her a good fit for a DIII school.  

“It’s not really about missing a test but more about the mental aspect of it, such as being exhausted after a nine p.m. game and having to open your textbook and do homework. It is extremely difficult, but you get used to it and find what works for you,” Bhasin said.   

With their verbal commitments announced, some stress is relieved from the admissions process, and they can continue to play their sport for their last year of high school.  

“It’s a reflection of all the time and effort my parents and coaches have poured into me,” Bhasin said.