No idea where to begin? Start with the fundamentals: how the process works, when to start, the rules on coach contact, and the levels of college athletics. These are the pieces every family needs before anything else.
A mentor once told me: don’t admire a problem - try to fix it. So after a front-row seat to my daughter’s recruiting, I did. That’s how RecruitPathIQ and Chilly came to life.
Short answer? Probably earlier than you think - but not the way you think. Here’s the timeline I wish someone had handed me when we started.
Sometimes the coach literally isn’t allowed to reply yet. D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO all play by different rules - in plain language. Silence is information, but it doesn’t always mean no.
Parent starter guide. Honest athlete conversation, understand college levels, organize athlete information, begin a school list and transition ownership to the athlete.
Parent friendly comparison of athletic level, scholarships, academics, roster considerations, recruiting communication and college experience. Core message: Division I isn't the goal. The right school is the goal.
Objective athletic fit guide using measurables, competition level, video, current college rosters, coach feedback, camp evaluation and actual recruiting interest.
Introduce the Living School List. Evaluate athletic fit, academics, major, geography, school size, campus environment, cost and roster needs.
Not sure which guide applies to you? Chilly answers all of this for your athlete - their sport, grad year and goals.
Meet Chilly - Get StartedCompliance: Stats and athlete information shown on this site are real and published with the athlete and family's consent. RecruitPathIQ is an independent recruiting tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NCAA or any school. All outreach is reviewed for NCAA compliance and nothing is sent without athlete and parent approval.