High school football players demand the most attention during the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing day, but dozens of area high school athletes in other sports also officially accepted college scholarships on Wednesday.
Athletes in football, soccer, field hockey and track and field can sign during the period that began Wednesday. Basketball players had a window last fall in which to sign and have another period in April. Athletes in all other sports can sign during the fall or during the period that stretches from April 11 until Aug. 1.
The NLI program is a two-way contract between the athlete and the school. The athlete agrees to attend a specific school in exchange for financial assistance. The athlete can be penalized if he or she decides to enroll at another institution.
The list was provided by area high schools and includes some athletes who are receiving financial aid in anticipation of their participating in intercollegiate athletics although their schools do not give athletic scholarships.
The vast majority of the scholarships are partial grants as the schools split the equivalency of one full scholarship to several athletes.
NCAA Division I schools are allowed to have 9.9 men and 14.0 women soccer scholarships. Those scholarships usually are shared, with players receiving a third or more.
The limits in track and field and cross country are 12.6 for men and 18 for women. NCAA Division I schools have 12 women’s field hockey scholarships to share among their teams.
NCAA Division III schools are prohibited from giving athletic scholarships or using athletic ability or potential in giving financial aid.
Green Hope girls’ soccer team takes risks to win
