Is Your Family Ready for the Recruiting Game?

Winning On and Off the Field —

A Playbook for Student-Athletes & Families

Real strategies for recruiting, academics, financial aid, and life after sports—from a Stanford athlete, Physician, and sports mom.

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Do you have a student-athlete between the ages of 12 and 18 who is passionate about their sport and eager to take it to the next level?

Are you ready to learn how to navigate and master the college recruiting process so your child has the best possible chance for success?

Inside this book, you’ll gain insider insights and proven strategies from someone who has lived it—both as an athlete and as a parent—so you can confidently guide your family through every step of the journey.

Before You Start the Recruiting Process, Ask Yourself...

Do you know what it really takes for your child to secure a scholarship?

Are you confident you understand the recruiting process for their sport?

Do you have a plan to balance academics, athletics, and life after sports?

Are you prepared to navigate financial aid without unnecessary debt?

Designed for Student-Athletes and the People Who Support Them

Families from grade school through high school navigating youth & club sports.

Athletes across NCAA Divisions I–IV (not just the major sports).

Parents who want step-by-step checklists, planning tools, and real scenarios.

The Skills, Strategies, and Secrets You’ll Gain

Get the insider knowledge and step-by-step strategies to help your student-athlete thrive in sports, academics, and life. From recruiting timelines to life-after-sports planning, you’ll have the tools to maximize opportunities and avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding the recruiting process across NCAA Divisions I–IV, including timelines and new rules

Balancing academics and athletics without burnout

Maximizing financial aid while avoiding common debt pitfalls

Building mental resilience and peak performance skills

Preparing for life after sports, including career planning

Supporting your athlete’s health, nutrition, and mindset for long-term success

MEET THE author

Dr. Trina Wiggins

Dr. Trina Wiggins is a Stanford alumna, board-certified pediatrician, and former barrier-breaking gymnast for Stanford University.

As one of the early African-American gymnasts to compete at Stanford, she brought both talent and tenacity to the sport — qualities that have defined her career ever since.

Her athletic journey continued at home, where she and her husband — a former Vanderbilt football player — raised twin sons who both earned Division I basketball scholarships at Stanford.

This unique combination of personal and family experience gives Dr. Wiggins a 360-degree perspective on the demands, challenges, and opportunities student-athletes face.

Beyond her medical career, Dr. Wiggins has spent decades mentoring families nationwide on academics, health, athletics, and life readiness. She understands the delicate balance between excelling in sports, maintaining strong academics, and preparing for success after the game ends.

Dr. Wiggins blends real-world experience as an athlete, parent, and physician with proven strategies for success — both on and off the field.

5 Mistakes Parents Make in the College

Recruiting Process

Starting Too Late
Waiting until junior or senior year to get serious about recruiting often means missed opportunities. College coaches begin tracking athletes as early as 8th–9th grade in many sports.
Focusing Only on Athletic Performance
Coaches recruit student-athletes — not just athletes. A strong GPA, solid test scores, and character references can be the deciding factor between two equally talented players
Relying Solely on the High School Coach
While many coaches are supportive, they may not have the network, time, or strategy to market your child effectively to the right programs.
Overlooking Fit for Academics & Campus Life
Picking a school just for the team or scholarship offer can backfire if the academic program or environment isn’t a good match.
Not Understanding the Scholarship Landscape
Only about 2% of high school athletes are awarded athletic scholarships, and the average scholarship covers less than 50% of total college costs. Many families miss out on academic and need-based aid that could make a bigger financial impact.

Eye-Opening Stats Every Parent Should Know

~7% of high school athletes play at the NCAA level. Of that group, ~2% receive athletic scholarships.

The average athletic scholarship for NCAA Division I is around $18,000/year for men and $19,000/year for women, but it varies greatly by sport.

Academic and need-based aid often outweigh athletic scholarships — yet many families never apply for all available programs.

Less than 2% of high school athletes earn full-ride scholarships — most awards cover only a portion of college costs.

READY TO learn more?

Join our email list for insider tips, tools, and strategies to help your student-athlete win — on and off the field.

From mastering the recruiting process to balancing academics, athletics, and life after sports, you’ll get practical guidance from someone who’s been there. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about new resources, events, and exclusive book updates.