Your Athletes are Transferring: Here's Your Strategy for Retention and Recruitment

​High schools across the country are facing a new and urgent challenge — the growing trend of student-athletes transferring to other schools or prep programs. As discussed in our previous post, The Surge in Athlete Transfers: A Growing Challenge for High Schools, this issue is impacting programs of all sizes and creating ripple effects across entire athletic communities.

Schools are now competing not just to attract athletes — but to keep them. The good news is that there are proactive strategies and investments that can make a measurable difference in both athlete retention and program competitiveness.

Retain and Strengthen Your Current Athletes

Athletes and families are often drawn away by the perception of greater exposure, opportunity, or resources elsewhere. Schools can counter this by building a deeper sense of loyalty, trust, and value within their programs.

• Provide recruiting guidance and mentorship – Partnering with experts like RecruitU helps your athletes and families see a clear path to college recruiting success without transferring. Our college coaches establish credibility and confidence.
• Build strong mentor relationships – Regular touchpoints between coaches, athletes, and families build trust and assurance that the athlete’s future is being guided thoughtfully.
• Develop individualized recruiting strategies – When athletes see a professional plan in place, they’re far less likely to seek other options.

Recruit and Attract New Student-Athletes

To stay competitive, schools must also focus on recruiting new students who can elevate team performance and overall school culture.

• Raise funds and provide scholarships – Financial incentives and scholarship programs help attract and retain top student-athletes.
• Invest in facilities and athletic support – Speed, agility, and strength training resources, modern facilities, and expert support staff develop athletes and signal commitment to excellence.
• Play in high-exposure events and games – Competing in well-known tournaments increases program visibility and prestige.

Expand Resources and Support for Athletes

• Offer NIL advisory support – Help families understand and navigate the evolving Name, Image & Image & Likeness landscape.
• Provide revenue-share and contract guidance – Ensure athletes are protected when negotiating sponsorships or college-related agreements.
• Add recruiting and college guidance services – Professional, college-level insights differentiate your school from others.

Build Loyalty Through Relationships and Credibility

This proactive, relationship-driven approach solidifies the personal bond between the school, athlete, and family. It generates loyalty, reduces the likelihood of transfer, and enhances the overall perception of the program.

Differentiate Your School

Offering structured recruiting guidance, athlete development support, NIL advising, and scholarship opportunities gives your school a clear competitive advantage. It positions the institution as a leader — one that’s not just reacting to athlete transfers but defining how to prevent them.


RecruitU partners with high schools to deliver expert recruiting guidance, evaluation, and strategy — building stronger athlete relationships, boosting retention, and elevating your program’s reputation.

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