When it comes to college track and field recruiting, there’s a widespread misconception about what actually happens at the Division I level. Most recruits tend to fixate on the major conferences, such as the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. However, there is much more to Division I track and field than these well-known conferences. This article sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of Division I recruiting and explains why smaller conferences can offer valuable opportunities for developing athletes.

The Major Conferences Are Not the Whole Picture

It’s easy to understand why recruits are drawn to the big names—the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC dominate the conversation in Division I track and field. While these conferences are competitive and prestigious, they aren’t the only viable options for athletes looking to compete at a high level.

Many recruits overlook the fact that Division I includes over 30 conferences, each with its own talent pool and unique opportunities. Though the Pac-12 might have once been among the elite, it no longer competes at the same level as the other major conferences. While the big conferences are great for some, recruits should consider a broader range of schools and conferences before making their decision.

Elite Talent Exists in Every Conference

One of the biggest misconceptions about track and field is that only the top programs have elite coaching or athletes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every Division I conference has both talented athletes and high-level coaching staff. A school’s reputation or conference affiliation doesn’t necessarily mean their coaches are better. Sometimes, a bigger program just has a larger budget and name recognition.

If you’re a recruit who rates as a 2-star, 3-star, or even a lower 4-star on SCArecruiting.com, you should definitely consider looking beyond the most popular conferences. There’s a good chance you’ll be more successful in a smaller conference with a coach who’s genuinely committed to helping you improve. After all, no recruit wants to go to college and fail to achieve personal records (PRs), and sometimes, a smaller school can give you the attention and development you need.

The Focus on Conference Championships

The reality for most Division I programs is that head coaches recruit with their primary goal in mind: winning their conference championship. Coaches look for athletes who can contribute to this goal by scoring points at the conference level. If you’re not seen as someone who can help in this area, you might not get much attention, no matter how talented you are.

For a recruit, this means that being in a program where the coach isn’t focused on your development can be a significant setback. You won’t reach your potential if the coach isn’t invested in your progress, which is why choosing a school that prioritizes developing talent is crucial.

Development of Talent: A Key to Success

It’s important to understand that developing athletes is more of a luxury than a necessity for many top programs. Coaches at these schools often attract recruits who are already performing at a high level—athletes who can qualify for national championships without needing much additional coaching.

However, for the majority of Division I programs, especially those in smaller conferences, success comes from developing raw talent. Schools like Campbell University (CAA conference) and the Naval Academy (Patriot League congerence), while not traditionally considered track and field powerhouses, have produced athletes who qualified for the Olympic trials. This shows that even smaller programs can nurture talent to a high level, especially for athletes who may not have initially been recruited by larger schools.

Unexpected NCAA Championship Qualifiers

Smaller schools are not just developing athletes for Olympic trials. Many also have teams that qualify for the NCAA championships, often surprising the broader track and field community. For instance, in the Women’s 4x100 meter relay in 2024, teams from Howard University (MEAC conference), Charlotte (American conference), and the University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League) all advanced to the NCAA championships. This is a reminder that schools from lesser-known conferences can—and do—compete at the highest levels.

Finding the Right Fit

As a recruit, it’s essential to understand that competing in a smaller conference doesn’t mean you’re settling for less. In fact, the right fit for you might be at a school where you can score points at the conference level right away and gradually build toward competing at national-level meets.

A good coach will help you go from being competitive to potentially winning your conference, and then challenge you to compete against the best in the nation. The ultimate goal for any track and field athlete is to perform at their highest level, and sometimes, the best way to achieve that is at a smaller school that focuses on individual development.

College Track and Field: A Team Sport at Its Core

Although track and field may seem like an individualized sport, it functions very differently in the world of Division I college athletics. Coaches are focused on team success, and winning a conference championship as a team is often more rewarding than individual victories. If you’re debating between joining a big-name program where the team may not be as competitive, or a smaller one that strives to win its conference, consider the benefits of being part of a winning team. Winning as a team can be far more fulfilling than individual accolades alone.

Do Your Research and Find the Right Program

If you’re serious about getting recruited, take the time to research schools and conferences beyond the usual suspects. Look at the SCA team rankings for NCAA Division I programs, both for men’s and women’s track and field. These rankings are a great resource to find successful programs that might not be on your radar.

Remember, the lanes on the track don’t discriminate—they don’t care about your uniform or what conference you’re from. Your performance is all that matters. So, if you want to compete at your highest level, find a school and a coach that believe in you. Reach out to programs, even the ones that aren’t the biggest names, because sometimes, those schools are where you’ll find the best fit.

In the end, what matters most is that you find a program where you can develop and succeed. Take the time to explore all your options, and you might be surprised by where your college track and field journey takes you.

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