Athletics 9-12 New

Module Overview

Build a clear foundation for NCAA eligibility—divisions, core-course rules, academic benchmarks, the Eligibility Center, amateurism, and alternate pathways (JUCO/NAIA).

Learning Component:

Understanding NCAA Divisions (DI, DII, DIII) and their differences.
Core Course requirements: What counts, how many, and how to track them.
GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements.
The NCAA Eligibility Center: Registration, submitting transcripts, and managing your account.
Amateurism rules and what constitutes a violation.
Junior College (JUCO) and NAIA pathways (brief overview).

Assignment — NCAA Eligibility Checklist

Create a personalized NCAA Eligibility Checklist based on your current academic transcript, identifying core courses completed, those still needed, and target GPA/test scores for your desired division.

Open the checklist template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Students practice professional communication skills across email, phone, interviews, and interactions with mentors or recruiters. Emphasis on clarity, etiquette, and leaving positive impressions.

Learning Component:

Email Etiquette: Crafting professional subject lines, body paragraphs, and signatures. When and how to follow up.
Phone Call Etiquette: Voicemail messages, speaking clearly, knowing when to call vs. text.
Interview Skills: Preparing for virtual and in-person interviews (body language, common questions, active listening).

Effective communication with coaches, recruiters, teachers, and mentors:
5 Keys to Communicating with College Recruiters
The importance of thank-you notes/emails:
Thank-you notes and emails are crucial in the college recruiting process for high school athletes. They serve as a way to express gratitude for the opportunity to be considered and to reinforce your interest in the program.
- Demonstrate Gratitude: Shows you appreciate the coach’s time and effort.
- Reinforce Interest: Reiterates your enthusiasm and commitment to the school.
- Highlight Achievements: Share updates that make you more competitive.
- Keep the Door Open: Helps maintain a relationship for future opportunities.

Incorporating these elements into your thank-you note or email can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression on athletic recruiters

Assignment — Professional Communication Practice

Draft a professional email to a hypothetical college coach introducing yourself and expressing interest. Record a brief (30-second) mock voicemail message for a recruiter.

Open the assignment template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Understand what a personal brand is, surface your strengths and values on and off the field, and shape a clear athlete narrative that you can communicate consistently across platforms.

Learning Component:

What is a personal brand and why is it crucial for athletes?
Personal Branding: Creating Your Athletic Identity – Student Athlete Scholars
Identifying your unique strengths, values, and passions (on and off the field).
High school athletes can discover their unique strengths, values, and passions by engaging in self-reflection, seeking feedback, trying new experiences, and using assessment tools to build self-awareness on and off the field.
- Reflect on Enjoyable Accomplishments and Moments of Success
  - Think about times you felt proud or at your best (games, practice, or outside sports).
  - Note strengths (leadership, perseverance), values (teamwork, discipline, integrity), and passions.
  - Write specific experiences and look for themes to clarify what you excel at and care about.
- Assess Your Skills and Values
  - List skills (athletic & non-athletic), interests, and values.
  - Which activities/roles do you enjoy most on and off the field?
  - Which skills come easily (communication, organizing, problem-solving)?
  - What principles guide you (honesty, commitment, helping others)?
  - Prioritize the values/strengths that resonate most; note how they shape your identity.
- Seek Feedback
  - Ask coaches, teammates, family, or friends what strengths/qualities they see in you.
  - Use their perspective to uncover blind spots and reinforce authentic attributes.
- Explore Passions Beyond Sports
  - Try clubs, volunteering, or hobbies unrelated to athletics to reveal additional interests.
  - Notice what energizes vs. drains you—these contrasts are clues to true passions.
- Apply and Develop Your Strengths
  - Cultivate top strengths in practice, teamwork, academics, and leadership roles.
  - Leverage values/passions to motivate performance and prepare for future success.
- Developing your “athlete narrative”: What story do you want to tell?
  - Origins and Motivation
    - Where did your passion begin? What personal/cultural/family influences shaped your start?
    - What drives you to compete and push yourself?
  - Challenges and Growth
    - What obstacles have you faced (injuries, setbacks, self-doubt)?
    - How did you overcome them, and what did you learn?
    - Highlight resilience and progress.
  - Core Values and Character
    - Which qualities define you (discipline, teamwork, humility)?
    - How do these traits influence your sport and life?
  - Goals and Vision
    - What are your athletic aspirations and beyond?
  - Consistency & Audience
    - Keep messaging consistent across platforms (online & offline).
    - Identify audiences: coaches, scouts, fans, potential sponsors.

Assignment — Personal Brand Statement & Mood Board

Create a Personal Brand Statement (2–3 sentences) that encapsulates your athletic and academic identity, values, and aspirations. Develop a mood board (digital or physical) representing your brand.

Open the assignment template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Understand your digital footprint, secure privacy settings, and distinguish appropriate vs. inappropriate content. Learn a simple test to evaluate posts and practice positive, professional engagement online.

Learning Component:

Your Digital Footprint: Understanding that everything online is permanent and searchable.
Privacy settings: How to secure your accounts and why it matters.
Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Content: Language, imagery, memes, music lyrics.
9 Rules of Social Media Etiquette You Should Follow | Bitly

Appropriate Content Guidelines
- Respectful Language: Use polite, inclusive, non-offensive language; avoid hate speech, slurs, attacks.
- Appropriate Imagery: Share content suitable for diverse audiences; avoid explicit/violent/graphic images.
- Memes: Keep humor non-derogatory; avoid stereotypes, bullying, or offensive themes.
- Music Lyrics: Ensure lyrics align with community standards; label explicit content and use context.
Inappropriate Content Examples
- Offensive Language: Profanity, slurs, or content promoting hate/discrimination.
- Explicit/Sexual Content: Graphic sexual imagery or suggestive material without controls.
- Violent/Abusive Imagery: Content depicting violence or abuse.
- Hateful Memes/Messages: Attacks based on protected characteristics.
- Misleading/Harmful Lyrics: Sharing violent or hateful lyrics irresponsibly.
Best Practices for Maintaining Good Etiquette
- Think Before You Post: Consider impact on diverse audiences and your reputation.
- Respect Privacy: Don’t post others’ content without consent.
- Fact-Check: Verify accuracy to avoid misinformation.
- Give Credit: Attribute original creators.
- Use Platform Controls: Privacy settings, content warnings, age restrictions as needed.
- Avoid Oversharing: Limit personal/sensitive info.
- Handle Disagreements Respectfully: Engage constructively; no insults.
Summary: Share respectful, accurate content and avoid offensive language, explicit/violent imagery, hateful memes, and irresponsible lyric sharing to foster a positive, inclusive community.
The “Grandma/Coach/Future Employer Test” for every post.
Ask: “Would I be comfortable if my grandma, my coach, or a future employer saw this?” If not—or unsure—revise or don’t post.
- Why use it? Protects reputation, prevents regret, and promotes respectfulness.
- How to apply: Imagine those audiences reviewing your post; if it could harm perceptions or opportunities, reconsider.
Additional Tips
- Be mindful of privacy and tagging; get consent.
- Resolve conflicts offline; avoid emotional oversharing.
- Use clear, polite language; proofread; credit sources.
- Be authentic but mindful—posts can be permanent and searchable.
Avoiding controversial topics, excessive negativity, or inappropriate behavior.
- Controversial Topics: If engaging, keep a calm tone, avoid inflammatory language, and disengage when hostile.
- Minimize Negativity: Balance critiques with constructive or positive messages; practice empathy.
- Avoid Inappropriate Behavior: No harassment, insensitive jokes, or privacy violations; don’t argue online.
- General Best Practices: Be clear, give credit, proofread, and remember permanence of posts.
Maintaining respectful, positive interactions protects your reputation and contributes to a healthier online community.

Assignment — Social Media Self-Audit

Conduct a self-audit of your current social profiles, identify posts/settings that could be viewed negatively by a college coach or recruiter, and create a list of 5 “safe” topics to post about.

Open the self-audit template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Curate a positive online image, engage respectfully, avoid drama or cyberbullying, protect your mental health, and practice professional DM etiquette aligned with recruiting norms.

Learning Component:

Curating a positive image: Showcasing athletic achievements, academic success, community involvement, and positive team dynamics.
How to Use Social Media for College Recruiting
Engaging respectfully: How to comment, share, and interact with others professionally.
Recognizing and avoiding online drama, cyberbullying, or negativity.
Protecting your mental health online: Managing screen time, dealing with negative comments.
The Dangers Of Social Media For Athletes | Joe Davis | Medium
The DOs and DON'Ts of DMs and private messages.
- “Tap, Don’t Type” (recruiting context): College coaches may like/repost but often cannot comment publicly until after signing; DM timing rules vary by division/sport.
- Keep DMs professional: Be concise and respectful; include essentials (name, grad year, GPA, team).
- Etiquette: Respond thoughtfully and promptly, avoid late-night messages, and maintain a respectful tone.

Assignment — 3-Day Positive Presence Plan

Develop a 3-day social media content plan that showcases positive aspects of your student-athlete life (training, academic work, community service, team camaraderie).

Open the content plan template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Define NIL, understand key rules (NCAA/state), explore common NIL activities, distinguish NIL from pay-for-play, and appreciate the importance of financial literacy. Review how NIL emerged, what it means for college and high school athletes, and what changes are underway.

Learning Component:

What is NIL? A clear definition and its emergence in collegiate athletics.

NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness” and refers to the legal rights of student-athletes to profit from their personal brand. Since July 2021, NCAA interim policies and state laws have allowed athletes to monetize endorsements, sponsorships, social media, merchandise, appearances, camps/clinics, and more without losing eligibility.
NCAA guidelines and state laws (overview): Emphasize the need for up-to-date research since policies change.
Types of NIL activities: Endorsements, appearances, social posts, merchandise sales, camps/clinics.
NIL compensation vs. pay-for-play: NIL compensates for use of name/image/likeness; pay-for-play (compensation for athletic performance or recruiting inducements) violates amateurism rules.
The importance of financial literacy in the NIL era.

NIL 2.0: The new era of college athletics | Baker Tilly

How Did NIL Emerge in College Athletics?

2014 — NCAA v. O’Bannon: Challenged restrictions on athletes’ likenesses and fueled the compensation debate.
2021 — NCAA v. Alston (U.S. Supreme Court): Unanimous ruling against limits on education-related benefits, paving the way for broader changes.
State laws & executive orders (2019→): States began protecting athletes’ NIL rights, creating a patchwork of rules.
NCAA interim policy (July 2021): Allowed athletes nationwide to monetize NIL consistent with state law and institutional policy.

The Impact on Collegiate Athletes

Athletes can earn via autograph signings, brand ambassadorships, merchandise, paid posts, appearances, and camps—opening entrepreneurial paths for both high-profile and locally influential athletes, while maintaining eligibility when rules are followed.

What High School Athletes Should Know About NIL

Varied state & association rules: Some states permit NIL for high-schoolers; others prohibit or limit it (e.g., logo use).
Eligibility concerns: Always comply with your state/association rules to avoid sanctions.
Early preparation: Build a thoughtful online presence and basic brand literacy now.
Get guidance: Consult school compliance, NIL professionals, or financial advisors before signing anything.
Stay current: Policies evolve—monitor state, school, and NCAA updates regularly.

Recent and Ongoing Changes (as of 2025)

House Settlement: Moves some universities toward revenue-sharing and greater NIL transparency.
Collectives: Expanded roles while emphasizing fair-market-value deals.
Transparency & reporting: Threshold reporting (e.g., deals > $600) to schools/clearinghouses.
Federal action under discussion: Potential national standards to unify state rules.

Summary

NIL restores athletes’ rights to control and profit from their name, image, and likeness—creating income and brand-building opportunities while preserving student status. Success requires understanding evolving rules, distinguishing NIL from pay-for-play, and practicing sound financial and compliance habits—especially for high school athletes navigating state-specific regulations.

Assignment — Analyze a Real NIL Deal

Research a real NIL deal involving a college athlete. Write a 150–200 word summary explaining the deal and perceived benefits for both the athlete and the brand.

Open the assignment template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Learn the essentials of NIL business: contract basics, spotting red flags, disclosure requirements, and developing a sustainable long-term strategy. Understand when and why to seek legal or financial guidance.

Learning Component:

Basic contract terms: What to look for (duration, compensation, deliverables, termination clauses).
NCAA: Contracts Best Practices
Red flags in NIL deals.
NextGen Legacy NIL: Red Flags
The role of agents, lawyers, and financial advisors in NIL.
NIL Agents — The Good, The Bad, The Unregulated
Disclosure requirements: Why and how athletes must inform their universities.
NIL Edge Update
Building a sustainable NIL strategy: Identifying brand fit, managing time effectively.
NIL Store: Before Signing a Contract

Assignment — Questions for Legal/Financial Experts

Outline 3 key questions you would ask a legal expert or financial advisor before signing any NIL deal, and explain why these questions are important.

Open the assignment template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Learn to manage stress and pressure, build resilience, and balance competing demands in life. Understand how mental toughness, well-being practices, and support systems are essential for long-term athletic and academic success.

Learning Component:

Strategies for managing stress and pressure in athletics and academics.
Coping mechanisms for setbacks, injuries, and performance anxiety.
Unleashing the Power of Athlete Mentality
Balancing the demands of school, sport, family, and social life.
Recognizing signs of burnout and when to seek help.
McLean Hospital: Athlete Mental Health
The importance of sleep, nutrition, and self-care for peak performance.
Building resilience and a positive mindset.

Assignment — Personalized Well-being Action Plan

Develop a personalized “Well-being Action Plan” outlining 3–5 specific strategies you can implement to manage stress, improve sleep, or seek support when needed.

Open the action plan template

Click Here For Quiz

Module Overview

Explore NCAA divisions more deeply, consider NAIA and JUCO as valid pathways, understand scholarships vs. walk-on roles, and develop realistic backup plans beyond athletics.

Learning Component:

Revisiting NCAA Divisions: Deeper dive into what DI, DII, DIII truly mean for student-athletes.
Exploring NAIA and Junior College options as valid pathways.
Understanding athletic scholarships vs. walk-on opportunities.
Demystifying NAIA Eligibility Rules — Athletic Scholarship Corp
Developing a "Plan B" (and C): What if sports aren’t the primary path?
Career exploration beyond athletics: Leveraging transferable skills.
Career Exploration Resource

Assignment — Post-High School Game Plan

Create a “Post-High School Game Plan” outlining 2–3 potential pathways (e.g., DI athlete, DIII student, non-athlete college student majoring in X, trade school) and the next steps required for each.

Open the game plan template

Athletics 9-12 New

Goal:

Structure:

1. Learning Component:

2. Assignment:

3. 5-Question Quiz:

Final Assessment:

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — NCAA Eligibility Checklist

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Professional Communication Practice

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Personal Brand Statement & Mood Board

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Social Media Self-Audit

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — 3-Day Positive Presence Plan

Module Overview

Learning Component:

How Did NIL Emerge in College Athletics?

The Impact on Collegiate Athletes

What High School Athletes Should Know About NIL

Recent and Ongoing Changes (as of 2025)

Summary

Assignment — Analyze a Real NIL Deal

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Questions for Legal/Financial Experts

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Personalized Well-being Action Plan

Module Overview

Learning Component:

Assignment — Post-High School Game Plan

Test Prep Trademark Disclaimer

Structure: 

1. Learning Component: 