COLLEGE PLANNING, BUILT IN
From SPIRE academy
to signing day.
Planning starts freshman year, not senior year. SPIRE stays in it through college graduation, not just commitment day.
SPIRE / ACADEMY / COLLEGE PLANNING
YEAR BY YEAR AT SPIRE ACADEMY
The four-year
plan.
01
Freshman Year - Build the FoundationFreshman year begins with goal setting for success at SPIRE and beyond, helping students understand how their academic, athletic, and personal choices shape future opportunities. Students are introduced to the college application process, develop academic and class-selection plans, create their college and NCAA Eligibility Center profiles, and learn the courses, grades, and standards required to remain eligible as student-athletes. Students also participate in SPIRE’s College Day, gaining early exposure to college coaches and admissions representatives and beginning to explore the schools, programs, and athletic opportunities that align with their goals.
02
Sophomore Year - Narrow the ListSophomore year builds on the foundation established in freshman year, with students beginning to narrow their list of potential colleges and athletic programs based on their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Students take the PSAT, continue monitoring their academic and NCAA eligibility progress, and begin planning summer campus visits and opportunities to connect with prospective schools. Each sophomore is also paired with a senior or post-graduate student mentor, providing guidance and perspective as they begin taking greater ownership of their college journey.
03
Junior Year - Get SeriousJunior year focuses on narrowing the college list and identifying the schools that best align with each student’s academic and athletic goals, with SPIRE helping students schedule campus visits and deepen connections with prospective colleges. In ELA classes, students begin developing and refining their personal statements while preparing for and taking the SAT and/or ACT. For student-athletes ready to take the next step, some juniors may also reach the milestone of signing a college commitment letter.
04
Senior Year - CommitSenior year is the commit year, when students put their college plans into action and finalize the next chapter of their academic and athletic careers. Students complete applications, finalize personal statements and essays, manage admissions and NCAA requirements, and work closely with SPIRE advisors and coaches through the decision-making and commitment process. For student-athletes, the year culminates in signing with their college or university and preparing for a successful transition from SPIRE to the next level.
SPIRE HELPS YOU PLAN
Your college checklist
The NCAA has stringent requirements, and recruiting is hard to navigate without a plan. SPIRE's planning staff and coaching team bring a network of college coach relationships that turns a confusing process into a clear one.
- Grades matter every year, not just senior year.
- PSAT sophomore year, SAT and ACT junior year (ESL for international students).
- Prioritize colleges by program, location, academics, size and team.
- Unofficial visits early, and register for the NCAA clearinghouse.
- Official visits junior and senior year, commit during the signing period.
Whether the goal is Division I, II or III, NAIA or another path entirely, there's a route for every athlete, and SPIRE builds the plan around finding it.
THE TEAM
COLLEGE ADVISORY STAFF
++++
Experience SPIRE for yourself.
See how academics, athletic training, and campus life come together. Get to know SPIRE and explore whether it’s the right fit for you.
“
SPIRE's supportive coaches, elite facilities, and welcoming environment have helped me grow and believe in my potential as an international athlete.
Minh Hoang
SWIMMING · CLASS OF 2026
Apply now ◆ Request info ◆ Book a campus tour TODAY ◆ Register for A SPORT CAMP ◆ 2026–27 enrolling ◆ building the future of sport in geneva, oh ◆ Apply now ◆ Request info ◆ Book a campus tour TODAY ◆ Register for A SPORT CAMP ◆ 2026–27 enrolling ◆ building the future of sport in geneva, oh ◆