The Athlete's Edge

The start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities to shine in the classroom and in sports. Balancing athletics and academics can be challenging, but with the right mindset, support, and resources, you can thrive in every area of your life.

📣 “You are more than your stats. Protect your peace. Prioritize your health. Play with purpose.”

Building Your Path to the Next Level

As a new school year begins, it is the perfect time for student-athletes to start planning their path toward college athletics. Understanding NCAA eligibility early ensures that every class, grade, and decision moves you closer to your goals. Student-athletes in 8th grade and above can now create their own NCAA Eligibility Center account to begin tracking progress.

Parents, please take time to talk with your student about the importance of staying focused, maintaining academic balance, and setting long-term goals—because every season counts when preparing for the next level.

To help guide you, we are sharing:

• A recorded NCAA Eligibility Webinar and PDF presentation slides with step-by-step guidance.

🎥 Watch the Webinar: NCAA Initial Eligibility Webinar
📄 Download the Slides: NCAA Eligibility Presentation (PDF)

Create Your NCAA Account Early
Students should register at eligibilitycenter.org before high school or early in ninth grade to stay on track.

• Division I and II athletes must create a Certification Account.

• Division III athletes may use a Free Profile Page.

• Each high school has an official list of NCAA-approved core courses. Check your school’s list at NCAA Core Courses and ensure your schedule includes these classes.
  

• Division I: Must complete 16 core courses, earn at least a 2.3 GPA, and meet the 10/7 rule (10 core courses, including 7 in English, math, or science, before senior year).

• Division II: Must complete 16 core courses with at least a 2.2 GPA.

• Division III: Eligibility is set by the individual college.

• Graduate with your class to ensure all courses count toward NCAA eligibility. Late coursework may not be accepted for Division I certification.

• NCAA certification looks at more than performance, it requires consistency, integrity, and preparation both in the classroom and in competition.

• Use this school year to plan together. Talk about potential college choices, explore the NCAA School Search Map, and keep documentation organized (transcripts, test scores, coach contacts, etc.).

• 📘 Division I Academic Requirements Flyer

• 📗 Division II Academic Requirements Flyer

• 📙 Division III Amateurism Flyer

• 🧭 NCAA Initial-Eligibility Standards

• 🏫 NCAA School Map

• 💻 NCAA Eligibility Center

• Constant fatigue even after rest

• Loss of interest in sports or schoolwork

• Irritability or frequent mood changes

• Difficulty focusing

👉 If you notice these signs, it is important to speak up. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Resource Highlight:
📲 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – available at all times
🏫 Reach out to your parents, school counselor, coach, or trusted adult

Before every practice or game, write one word that describes how you want to show up. Examples: focused, grateful, confident. Carry it with you as your mental game plan. Share your word with a teammate or post it on social media using the hashtag.

As parents, you play a critical role in supporting your child’s athletic journey and mental well-being.

Here’s how you can help:

• Encourage Balance: Remind your student-athlete to prioritize their well-being, academics, and time for relaxation.
• Foster Open Communication: Create a space where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings, challenges, and successes.
• Recognize Signs of Stress: Be mindful of changes in mood, eating or sleeping habits, and performance. If something seems off, encourage them to talk to a counselor or mental health professional.
• Celebrate effort as much as performance

“Behind every strong athlete is a village that values their whole self, mind, body, and spirit.”

Choose a song that motivates you and listen to it before every game or practice. Music can help set your mindset, boost energy, and get you ready to perform. Create a team playlist and share songs with teammates.