Information for high school students looking to join the Little Giants.
Resources
Guide for the College Bound Athlete
How the NCAA Works - Division III
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a prospective student-athlete?
A prospective athlete is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective athlete if a college provides you (or your relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students generally. An individual remains a prospective athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
- The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution's regular academic year (excluding summer); or
- The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution.
Can I get an athletic scholarship? All college athletes get scholarships, right?
While Wabash College offers many of its students academic merit scholarships and other types of aid, as a member of Division III of the NCAA it is impermissible for us to provide athletics scholarships. For more information, please see
Wabash’s financial aid page.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that most college student-athletes receive little to no financial aid for athletics participation – most “full-rides” are reserved for a select few athletes in revenue sports, such as Division I football or basketball, with the remainder of the roster filled by student-athletes who are not receiving athletics aid.
If I have the chance to visit campus, should I bring gear in case coach wants me to tryout?
No, tryouts and active participation in team practices are in violation of Division III regulations. If another Division III institution invites you to a “tryout,” they are more than likely violating these regulations and your eligibility could be jeopardized.
When will I receive my National Letter of Intent? How do I let the local media know about my intent to participate in athletics at Wabash?
Division III institutions do not provide Letters of Intent, nor is there a “signing day” for the division. Instead, Division III of the NCAA provides a voluntary Celebratory Signing Form to allow recruits to voice their intent on participating in intercollegiate athletics. If you’re interested in signing a form, please contact your coach and you will receive additional guidance.
If you choose to communicate with your local media about your intent to attend and play for Wabash College, please be mindful of the language used in order to stay in compliance – protecting your eligibility and that of your team.
Examples of good press release statements:
- “Wally has decided to continue his education and athletic career at Wabash College next season.”
- “Wally will attend Wabash College to continue his education and athletic career for the Little Giants after graduation.”
Examples of bad press release statements:
- “Wally has signed a letter of intent to play Water Polo at Wabash College next season.”
- “Wally has received an athletic scholarship to play Water Polo for the Little Giants.”
