If it is your senior year in high school and you have not found the right fit, you can still be recruited. While the odds are much slimmer as you near your senior year, it can still happen. A lot will depend on your circumstances. Which schools are you interested in? Why have you not been recruited yet? How much exposure have you had? What are your best events?  

Due to early recruiting, the bulk of teams will be done with recruiting by your senior year, but yes there are many teams still looking for gymnasts in their senior year of high school. Below is a list of some of the pros and cons of this situation:

Pros:

1. College coaches like to find seniors who are healthy, fit and have the skills and grades needed to be on their team.

2. When you are a senior, the college coach can see exactly what they are getting, meaning you are not four years away from starting college.  

3. College coaches know which events they need for the upcoming season. If you fit that match, you could have a college team interested in you.

4. Don't forget that many Division II and III coaches often recruit throughout gymnasts' senior years of high school. This timing is perfect for them.  

5. Some college coaches like to "hold" one scholarship for a "late bloomer" who is healthy, strong and eager to do college gymnastics.   

Cons:

1. Are you willing to go to a college team that you may not know a lot about? You may have make a fast decision, but do not rush your decision.          

2. The schools that are available your senior year may not be the best match for you both athletically and academically.

3. Are you willing to wait till the spring of your senior year to decide on a college?

4. Sometimes the stress of waiting until the end of your senior year can be too much. You have to be a strong person to be able to stay positive and patient.



Jill Hicks has an advising and consulting business for parents and gymnasts. She will be offering an online course she has designed for the parent and gymnast who wants to know more about the college gymnastics recruiting process. This course has 10 modules and a workbook for the gymnast to fill out as she listens to each module. If you would like more information, email Jill at jill@jhicksconsulting.com.