Scholarships

Question
Hi, I was wondering if 17yr olds are allowed to get athletic scholarships to US universities and dive in senior competitions. I skipped a grade and will be going to university a year younger than usual but I still would like to try for a scholarship and dive throughout university!

Answer
Lily -

Your age does not matter when it comes to diving in the US with an NCAA Division I school. There have been athletes your age and younger who go to college early and compete at a varsity level. What is more important is your academic eligibility and your athletic ability. Since you have skipped a grade I assume that academics are not a problem. You did not give me enough info about your diving ability/experience so I cannot tell you if you will be offered an athletic scholarship.I also do not know when you graduate.

The first thing you need to do is get an NCAA eligibility number so you can be recruited by college diving coaches. Go to www.ncaastudent.org and click on 'Eligibility Center'. This link will tell you everything you need to know about how to become eligible to be on a college team.

Another site to go to is www.diverstocollege.com. Registration is free and you can get your name out to college coaches through this site to get the exposure you need.

If you want to ask a follow up question with the month and year you graduate along with your diving experience (list of dives and the types of meets you have competed in with results) I am sure I can help you even more. If you do not have the diving experience that college coaches are looking for to receive an athletic scholarship, you could be eligible for an academic one.

Feel free to contact me again if you need more help.