Myth: All college athletes receive full-ride scholarships.

Fact: Full-ride athletic scholarships, covering tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses, are relatively rare. Most athletic scholarships are partial, meaning they cover only a portion of the student-athlete's costs. Additionally, not all college sports offer scholarships at all levels.

Myth: Athletic scholarships guarantee a spot on the team.

Fact: Athletic scholarships provide financial assistance, but they do not guarantee a spot on the team. Coaches may recruit more athletes than they have available spots, leading to competition for playing time and roster spots.

Myth: Athletic scholarships are only available for Division I schools.

Fact: Athletic scholarships are available at various levels of college sports, including Division I, Division II, and Division III schools. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they may provide other forms of merit or need-based aid.

Myth: Student-athletes don't need to excel academically for athletic scholarships.

Fact: While athletic prowess is essential for athletic scholarships, academic performance is also crucial. Student-athletes must meet the academic eligibility requirements set by the NCAA or the college to maintain their scholarship and remain eligible to compete.

Myth: Student-athletes can negotiate their athletic scholarships.

Fact: NCAA rules prohibit colleges from negotiating scholarship amounts based on athletic performance. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of the athlete's abilities and the available budget for the specific sport.

Myth: Once you have an athletic scholarship, it's yours for all four years.

Fact: Athletic scholarships are typically awarded on a yearly basis and may be renewable each year based on the athlete's performance, adherence to team rules, and meeting academic requirements. Scholarships are not guaranteed for all four years unless explicitly stated in the scholarship offer.

Myth: Athletic scholarships are only for "star" athletes.

Fact: While top-performing athletes may receive more substantial scholarship offers, many college teams offer scholarships to athletes with solid skills and potential to contribute to the team's success. Coaches may recruit athletes with varying skill levels to create a balanced roster.

It's essential for student-athletes and their families to understand the realities of athletic scholarships and the specific rules and regulations of the NCAA and the college they are considering. Prospective student-athletes should work closely with their high school coaches, athletic directors, and college counselors to navigate the recruitment process and explore scholarship opportunities.