Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources on What College Recruiters Are Looking For

College recruiters aren’t just watching for stuck landings—they’re evaluating gymnasts on skill level, coachability, academic consistency, and communication. These five resources explain exactly what college gymnastics recruiters are looking for and how gymnasts can stand out in a highly competitive field. From highlight video tips to insights from former NCAA coaches, this guide helps athletes, parents, and coaches better understand how to align with what recruiters value most. 

NCSA: How to Get Recruited for College Gymnastics 

What it is: A complete overview of what it takes to be recruited, including athletic benchmarks (like Level 10 or Elite), academic expectations, and how to build a strong recruiting profile. 
Why we like it: It lays out what recruiters want in simple terms—clean execution, consistency, and strong communication—and helps gymnasts take action early to get noticed.

College Gym News: Recruiting 101 

What it is: A deep dive into what the recruiting process looks like, including how coaches evaluate athletes beyond scores—like leadership, attitude, and injury history. 
Why we like it: This article goes beyond basics to explore what separates good gymnasts from great recruits, including the value of strong fundamentals and team mindset.

SHIFT Movement Science: What College Coaches Look For (with Jill Hicks) 

What it is: A podcast episode with former NCAA coach Jill Hicks discussing what truly matters to recruiters—from strong basics and clean form to character and resilience. 
Why we like it: This insider perspective gives gymnasts and parents a realistic view of what college coaches prioritize and how to align your journey with those values.

GMTM: 5 Tips for Getting Noticed by Division I Gymnastics Coaches 

What it is: A quick guide to five high-impact tips for getting recruited—including showcasing consistency, attending gymnastics camps, and mastering basics. 
Why we like it: It emphasizes that flashy skills aren’t everything—college coaches are often more impressed by clean routines, work ethic, and potential. 

NCSA: NCAA Gymnastics Recruiting Rules & Calendar 

What it is: A resource that explains when coaches can contact athletes and how recruiting timelines work. 
Why we like it: Knowing the rules helps athletes stand out by reaching out at the right times, with the right materials, and a professional approach recruiters appreciate.