About College Sports
College athletics provide an incredible opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Sports are not only about competition. They teach skills that last a lifetime such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities. These qualities benefit you in the classroom, in your career, and in life.
High school is the perfect time to start building these habits. The effort you put in now by showing up to practice, staying focused in your classes, and learning to manage your time will prepare you for success at the next level whether that is college athletics or other areas of life.
Your Year-by-Year Game Plan
Your Freshmen Year
Complete the Downey High Athletics Athletic Pre-Participation Clearance Packet. This must be done every year.
Meet with your Guidance Counselor to discuss your four-year plan as a roadmap to college. (Early December)
Meet again with your guidance counselor before you register for your sophomore course to discuss college entrance requirements and to assure compliance with the NCAA eligibility rules. (Early February)
Your Sophomore Year
Take the PSAT to practice for the SAT.
Meet again with your counselor before registration for the junior year to complete NCAA division I worksheet to assure compliance with the NCAA eligibility requirements.
Review the NCAA’s Eligibility for the College-Bound Student Athlete rules. They are available online at the NCAA website.
Your Junior Year
Take the PSAT in October to practice for the SAT.
Meet with your counselor before registration for your senior year to be sure to meet college admission requirements and to update your NCAA division I worksheet to assure compliance with the NCAA’s eligibility rules.
Secure a copy of the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Athlete from your Athletic Director. Specifically read the section on athletic eligibility. Discuss it with your parents and coach.
Sign up for Collegeboard.org.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your PSAT results. Take the SAT and/or ACT in the winter or spring of the year.
Inform your coach of your interest in playing a sport in college.
Visit colleges you are potentially interested in attending.
Your Senior Year
Retake the ACT and/or SAT as needed.
Meet with your guidance counselor early in the Fall to review your transcript & Division I worksheet to assure compliance with the NCAA’s eligibility requirements.
Meet with your coach to discuss your college potential to play for certain colleges.
Mail your college applications.
Review the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Athlete.
What is the NAIA?
The NAIA is a college sports governing body created in 1937 that administrates championships in 25 different sports at the college level.
There are over 250 schools and 60,000 athletes competing at the NAIA level in college. They comprise mostly smaller private colleges.
NAIA schools offer the following sports: Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Swimming & Diving, Softball, Wrestling, Volleyball (women’s only) and Competitive Cheer/Dance. Lacrosse and Men’s Volleyball are coming soon.
Want to play NAIA Colege Sports?
Visit NAIA.org
What is the NCAA?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.
Want to Play…
Division 1 College Sports? (learn more)
Division 2 College Sports? (learn more)
Division 3 College Sports? (learn more)
Visit www.ncaa.com
ACADEMICS are THE ANSWER to achieving your goals!
NCAA Division 1 Athletic Eligibility
4 years of English
3 Years of Math (Algebra I or higher)
2 Years of Natural / Physical Science (1 year of lab if offered)
1 Year additional English, Math, or Natural / Physical Science
2 Years of Social Science
4 Years of additional courses (From any area above, foreign language, or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)
