TRANSFER PORTAL
The Transfer Portal: What High School and College Athletes Need to Know
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If you are a high school athlete with aspirations of playing college sports, you need to know about the transfer portal. The transfer portal is a new tool that college athletes can utilize if they want to transfer to a new school. In simple terms, the transfer portal is an online database that allows athletes to explore their options for transferring to a new school. This blog post aims to explain what the transfer portal is, how it works, and how high school athletes can use it.
The NCAA created the transfer portal in 2018 to provide athletes with more control over their future. Before the portal was introduced, athletes had to request permission from their school before contacting other programs. Now with the transfer portal, athletes can browse available programs and can be contacted by teams that are looking for their specific skillset.
The transfer portal is open to all athletes in any sport, but not all athletes are eligible to transfer. NCAA rules specify that athletes must meet academic requirements, be in good standing with their current team, and have a legitimate reason for transferring. The reasons to transfer include graduation, coaching changes, financial considerations, and personal reasons.
High school athletes who are interested in transferring to a new college should start exploring the transfer portal early in the recruiting process. For example, if an athlete is not receiving playing time at their current program, they may want to consider transferring to another school where they have a greater chance of playing. By exploring the transfer portal, athletes can see what programs are available and if they match their skillset.
When using the transfer portal, high school athletes should create an attractive profile that highlights their accomplishments and goals. Coaches who are interested in recruiting athletes will look for specific skills and achievements, so athletes need to showcase their strengths. High school athletes should also be aware that the response from coaches might not be immediate, and they should expect some level of rejection.
The transfer portal is a powerful tool that high school athletes can use to take control of their future. The portal provides athletes with many options, and athletes can explore what is available. High school athletes who are interested in transferring should take the time to create a strong profile and explore their options. With the right preparation, high school athletes can increase their chances of finding a program that is a perfect match for their skills and interests.