RECRUITING & COLLEGE BASEBALL

Your Path to College Baseball: Year-by-Year Recruiting Roadmap

No matter where you are in your recruiting journey—just getting started or already deep into the process—this roadmap is here to help. It’s a year-by-year guide designed to keep athletes and families on track, outlining the key steps to take from freshman through senior year to maximize college baseball opportunities and make informed decisions along the way.

Illinois Premier is here to support every step of the process—families are encouraged to schedule a meeting or call with our staff to discuss personalized recruiting plans tailored to each player’s goals and development.

  • 📍 Freshman Year (9th Grade) – Laying the Foundation

    Focus: Development, academics, and early exposure

    • Academics First

      • Start strong in the classroom—GPA matters early. College coaches look at full transcripts.

      • Build good study habits and time management skills.

    • Athletic Development

      • Focus on skill development, strength training, and overall athletic growth.

      • Play competitive baseball, but don’t over-focus on exposure just yet.

    • Get Educated

      • Start learning about the recruiting process and different levels of college baseball (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO).

      • Begin creating a list of schools you're interested in (academic fit, location, level of play).

    • Social Media

      • Start building a clean and positive online presence.

      • Avoid posting anything that could hurt your image—college coaches do look.

  • 📍 Sophomore Year (10th Grade) – Build Your Profile

    Focus: Exposure, self-assessment, and communication prep

    • Academic Progress

      • Stay on top of your GPA and start preparing for the ACT/SAT (if required by target schools).

      • Begin aligning your course load with NCAA eligibility requirements.

    • Showcase Yourself

      • Attend local college camps and reputable showcases—focus on learning and feedback.

      • Start capturing video highlights from practices, games, and workouts.

    • Communication Prep

      • Create a basic player profile: height, weight, GPA, positions, measurables, and video.

      • Draft an introduction email to coaches with your video and academic/athletic info.

    • School Research

      • Narrow down your list of 15–30 schools based on academic and athletic fit.

      • Look at college rosters—do you fit their needs?

    • Continue Skill Development

      • Train consistently and work with coaches to improve key areas.

      • Seek honest feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses.

  • 📍 Junior Year (11th Grade) – Exposure & Communication

    Focus: Active recruiting and refining your list

    • Reach Out to Coaches

      • Email college coaches at your target schools—include updated videos, grades, and upcoming schedules.

      • Be proactive and polite—respond quickly if they reach out.

    • Attend Targeted Events

      • Go to college prospect camps and showcases where your target schools will be present.

      • Focus on events that align with your ability and recruiting goals.

    • Grades Matter More Than Ever

      • This is the most important academic year for many schools—finish strong.

      • Take the ACT/SAT (if applicable) and send scores to schools.

    • Evaluate Offers and Interest

      • Talk with coaches about potential roster spots, scholarship options, and program expectations.

      • Make unofficial visits to campuses and meet with coaches when allowed.

    • Post Highlight Videos Online

      • Keep your social media current with short, professional videos.

      • Consider using platforms like Twitter, YouTube, or a recruiting site profile.

  • 📍 Senior Year (12th Grade) – Finalizing Your Path

    Focus: Commit, qualify, and prepare for the next level

    • Finalize Your School Choice

      • Evaluate all offers: academic, athletic, location, and financial aid packages.

      • Stay realistic about your level and where you can compete and succeed.

    • Sign or Commit

      • Verbally commit or sign a National Letter of Intent if offered.

      • Continue communicating with coaches and stay locked in.

    • Academic Clearance

      • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

      • Submit final transcripts and ensure your core classes align with requirements.

    • Stay in Game Shape

      • Keep training and improving. Don’t slow down your development after committing.

      • Stay injury-free and prepare mentally and physically for college-level expectations.

    • Celebrate and Reflect

      • Enjoy the moment, but remember—the hard work is just beginning!