Division I (D1)
For most D1 sports the initial point where “full recruiting communication” can begin is June 15 after your sophomore year of high school.
Division II (D2)
D2 rules are more flexible. Coaches often can initiate contact earlier (some aspects anytime) though there are still restrictions on unscheduled off-campus contact.
Division III & NAIA
These schools tend to have very few restrictions on coach-to-prospect communication; the coaches may contact you much earlier than D1.
No — it’s never too early to begin thinking about college diving. In fact, starting as early as 8th or 9th grade can give divers a major advantage. While official recruiting conversations with Division I coaches cannot begin until June 15 after sophomore year, the preparation that happens before that date is what sets athletes apart.
Beginning early allows divers to:
Build the right academic foundation
Understand what divisions and programs fit their long-term goals
Develop competitive dive lists and training habits
Create a strong athlete profile, videos, and early communication strategy
Roster spots and athletic scholarship opportunities are limited, and coaches often evaluate athletes well before they can formally reach out. The divers who are most prepared—athletically, academically, and organizationally—are the ones who rise to the top of a coach’s list once contact becomes legal.
Starting early doesn’t mean rushing the process; it means setting yourself up for success long before the competition gets intense.
No. There are 3 main types of scholarships: Academic (a.k.a. merit), Athletic, and Need based aid. Academic aid is primarily based on your GPA, standardized test scores, and the college to which you are applying. Athletic aid is largely determined by the NCAA Division of the college, gender of the athlete, and the amount of athletic scholarships already used on a team.
Below are some more details for athletic aid
D1 has more athletic scholarships than D2, while D3 has none. NAIA is able to offer athletic aid.
In D1, women's teams typically have more scholarships than men's teams, due to Title IX.
Athletic aid is shared across swimmers + divers
Choosing the right college depends on many factors—academic interests, diving level, training style, team culture, geography, and cost. We evaluate all of these elements and build a personalized college list that matches your diver’s goals and long-term development. Our goal is to help you focus on programs where your diver can thrive, not waste time on the wrong fits.
That’s completely okay. Many divers find incredible opportunities in Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA programs. These teams offer strong coaching, competitive environments, scholarships (depending on division), and great academic options. We help families understand where their diver fits best so they can pursue programs that truly align with their abilities and goals.
No service can guarantee a scholarship or roster spot, and any program that claims that is not being honest. What we can guarantee is that your diver will have a clear strategy, a professional presentation, and targeted communication with schools where they are a realistic match. This dramatically improves their chances of being seen and seriously considered. So far, Recruitable Diver has had a 100% success rate!
Parents play an important supportive role, but our goal is to empower the diver to take ownership of their recruiting journey. We guide families on when a parent should step in, what tasks the diver should handle, and how to stay organized without overwhelming anyone. Most families find the process becomes smoother, less stressful, and more efficient with our structured support. We encourage the parents to be as involved in the process as they want.