How Online Schools Help Student-Athletes Prepare for College Recruitment

The recruitment process for college athletes is highly competitive. The division level, the difficulty of competition, and the specific sport are all factors coaches and admissions representatives include in making their decisions. 

High school student-athletes must have talent and skill in their chosen sport, of course, and they also must meet the academic requirements and other admissions criteria of the college or university. As there are more talented high school student-athletes than available spots on the college rosters, student-athletes need to maintain a high level of both athletics and academics to increase their chances in being selected. 

For students dreaming about playing sports at the collegiate level, expert guidance and support along the way is crucial, with a great deal of variables and moving parts on the pathway to success. 

What factors give these student-athletes the best chance of having their dreams come true?

Flexibility is Key

First up, and most obvious, is scheduling flexibility. Students who train and travel to compete, often far from home, are able to boost their visibility, rankings, and skills, and yet often need large chunks of time away from school. 

Student-athletes are increasingly turning to private online high schools to maximize their days and provide the scheduling flexibility they need to pursue the sport of their choice without sacrificing academics.

Not all online high schools are created equal, however. Some are completely self-paced and asynchronous, narrowing a student’s sense of school community and often lowering academic engagement and motivation, as well.

Some online schools are not accredited, ruling out NCAA colleges and universities that require a level of academic standard necessary to prove college preparedness. 

Dwight Global Online School stands out for its excellence, and is recognized internationally for its rigorous academics, experienced faculty, and strong school community, as well as its top college counseling department and support of recruited athletes.

As an established, nationally ranked online high school for students in grades 6-12, Dwight Global has a stellar reputation, backed by the solid foundation of 150 years of Dwight Schools, a global network of seven physical campuses around the world. Dwight Global’s excellence helps student-athletes succeed in their sports and in their classrooms.

Personalized Attention

“Dwight Global’s online program is truly unique,” said Jordan Levitt ‘25, who attended Dwight Global for all four years of high school. Levitt has been recruited by Notre Dame University, where she will play golf as a freshman next fall. 

“My teachers were essentially with me all the way. They responded immediately when I reached out. I bonded with many, and we grew to know each other well, even outside of the classroom. The super strong school community is personalized and offers stability, something I loved from the start.”

Levitt began her athletic career as a successful swimmer, until the global pandemic closed pools, when she switched to golf. Since then, Levitt hasn’t looked back. In 2023, Levitt won the New York State Junior Amateur, shooting 70-71-65 and breaking the course record at the Lake Placid Club in the final round. In 2024, Levitt shot 71-68 to win The Northern Junior Championship, played at Hartford Golf Club. She is looking forward to competing for Notre Dame.

“I like golf because it draws on decision-making skills,” said Levitt. “There are so many different factors – what type of grass is on the course, what are the probabilities involved, what different shots are possible.” 

Levitt is one of 18 Dwight Global seniors recruited to play their chosen sport at the collegiate level this year, or turn pro. Many of those students met at a Signing Day Ceremony in person at Dwight School’s NYC campus this spring, an exciting event that brought together school leadership, students, family members and coaches.

College Counseling Support

Another immensely important factor for online student-athletes hoping to be recruited is college counseling. 

Dwight Global’s Director of College Counseling Megan Miller said her team’s support of student-athletes is “an essential and integral part of the journey for recruited athletes.”

“Our work is thoughtful, intentional, and personalized,” Miller continued. “We provide the most up-to-date information in the rapidly changing landscape of NCAA eligibility and college admissions. A student’s discussions with college coaches is independent and separate from our team, but our understanding of the admissions process and our work with admissions officers helps students connect the dots.” 

College counseling begins in ninth grade with course selections and grade-level programming, all created with the purpose of helping students and parents plan for and navigate the recruitment process.

Dwight Global College Counseling also hosts an annual "Recruited-Scholar Athlete" Panel that brings together college admissions and compliance officers, athletic directors, coaches, Dwight Global seniors and alums to share advice and best practices for potential recruits, insight into life as a college-athlete, and to discuss new trends in recruitment. With over 200 registrants last year, the panel is the College Counseling Department’s most widely attended event, attracting students from all Dwight School campuses, as well as student-athletes from neighboring NY independent schools.

Academic Preparation

Student-athletes who are well prepared academically for college will be best equipped to handle college level sports, said Matt Knoll, a former tennis coach and player with 30 years of experience in college tennis. 

“If a student struggles academically in college, that adds tremendous stress that can break a tennis player’s focus on the court. If they are battling to pass a class, their sport will suffer,” said Knoll. 

“Dwight Global is academically rigorous, and Dwight Global students are known to arrive at college academically prepared,” he said. “Coaches and college admissions reps are aware of this and these student-athletes are in a position of strength.” 

Knoll is the President and Founder of American College Placement, a boutique mentoring and tennis recruiting service. Not all student-athletes want or need an independent recruitment service, but for those who do, Dwight Global collaborates with American College Placement to assist student tennis players.
 
Juggling classwork with athletics requires dedication, time management, and perseverance, but the rewards are immense, Knoll says.

“Leveraging tennis can create incredible opportunities for students who would not have them otherwise. It is important to start planning early – ninth grade – and to get offers early,” he said.

Levitt, who did not use an independent recruiting service, agrees.

“Each athlete’s recruiting process is different, and I had no idea it was as big a process. There are many requirements I was not aware of, and Dwight Global walked me through all of it. Having that network helps student-athletes succeed with both athletics and school success.” 

For more information on how Dwight Global Online School supports student-athletes on the way to college and university sports recruitment, visit Dwight Global Admissions.