There’s a very real disease in the recruiting world and it’s been spreading for years. Hundreds, even thousands, of high school athletes have caught it, and for many, their recruiting journey doesn’t survive it. It’s called D1-itis.
D1-itis often starts when parents begin talking about how good their son or daughter is. The symptoms get worse when a travel or high school coach tells those same parents something positive, usually just trying to keep them happy, and suddenly everyone starts believing the hype.
From there, it spreads fast. The athlete starts thinking they’re better than they really are. They start talking about where they’ll play in college instead of if they’ll play in college. The pressure builds (most of it self-inflicted) and before long, the family loses touch with reality. They stop seeing their true athletic ability, size, speed, and academic fit. That’s when D1-itis takes over completely.
By that point, the athlete and parents are blind to where they actually belong in the recruiting process. And the hardest truth of all? The ones with D1-itis are usually the last to realize it.
College coaches, on the other hand, can spot it instantly. They can see the unrealistic expectations, the lack of self-awareness, and the red flags that come with it. And they’ll move on quickly. Coaches are drawn to athletes who understand who they are and where they fit.
One major D1 coach put it best:
“I wish every athlete could sit down with a real scout like you at NSR. It would help families understand where they truly fit in the process. It would make my job easier. I could focus on the kids who can really play at our level.”
Here’s the reality — only 1% of high school athletes will ever play at the NCAA Division I level. That’s it. One percent.
NSR has helped athletes reach every level of college and professional sports, including D1. But the truth is, there are incredible opportunities at the D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO levels. Those programs offer high-level competition, great academics, and meaningful scholarship options for athletes who find the right fit.
So before you catch D1-itis, get evaluated by someone who can give you a real, honest assessment. One conversation with an NSR scout can open your eyes to where you truly belong and keep your recruiting journey alive.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.