Academy Recruiting Process

Phase 1: Initial Talent Identification (August 1 - December 1)

The goal of this phase is to identify promising young athletes from underserved communities who show potential in basketball or football.

Collaborate with Local Teams (August 1 - October 1)

Impact Athletics partners with local schools, community centers, and sports leagues to discover talented 5th and
6th graders. These partnerships target athletes who may not otherwise have access to high-level training or
exposure. Interested candidates must fill out the Impact Athletics Prospect Form.

Open Tryouts (October 1 - October 14)

Open tryouts are hosted for both basketball and football. These events evaluate basic athletic skills such as speed, agility, strength, and coordination, as well as coachability and work ethic. Coaches assess the potential of each athlete, looking for those who show promise and the desire to improve. The goal is to select 18 athletes per sport, totaling 36 athletes in this phase. After the second round of tryouts, the athlete pool is narrowed down from 36 to 18.

Track Performance and Observation (October 14 - December 1)

The performance of the 18 selected athletes is closely monitored during their regular team practices and games. Coaches evaluate their skills and behaviors in competitive settings, focusing on qualities like mental toughness, teamwork, decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. After 1.5 months of observation, the 18 athletes move on to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Skill Refinement & Group Narrowing

This phase provides athletes with more specialized training to refine their skills and narrow the athlete pool based on their progress.

Weekend Training Camps & Workshops (November 15 - December 15)

Athletes participate in weekly training sessions and workshops designed to develop specific skills. These sessions focus on technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. Coaches provide individualized feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

Training Camp (Mid-December, 3-Day Intensive)

A 3-day training camp is held to further evaluate the athletes. Each day consists of 6 hours of training, drills, skill tests, and competitive games. Athletes also participate in recovery sessions and neuro-optimization training to enhance performance. This immersive experience prepares them for Phase 3.

Phase 3: Combine and Academic Check

This is the most competitive phase, where athletes compete for a spot in the final group. It emphasizes both athletic performance and mental preparedness.

Final Combine and Athletic Showcase (January 15)

After the training camp, a combine is held to showcase the athletes’ athleticism, followed by a 3v3 tournament for both football and basketball. During this phase, athletes are also required to submit their grade reports for the first half of the school year, along with behavior reports signed o by their school principal. Following the combine, athletes will receive a letter or phone call o ering them a spot in the Elite 8 for final vetting.

Phase 4: Elite 8 Final Vetting (February 1 - March 1)

In this phase, the top athletes undergo a final round of evaluations to ensure they are ready for the program’s intensive training.

Impact Athletics Blueprint

Athletes participate in the Impact Athletics Blueprint, a performance program where all data is recorded and analyzed to assess readiness for the next stage. This includes aspects of Impact VitalEdge which will be the clinical tests such as physical, sports evaluations and neural tests.

Family Involvement

Family meetings are held to ensure athletes have the necessary support from their parents or guardians. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the athlete’s long-term goals and the role their family will play in their development and success.

Final Decision

Following all evaluations, the selection committee—comprising board members and trainers—reviews the athletes’ athleticism, character, academic performance, mental toughness, and family support. This thorough review ensures that the chosen athletes not only excel in their sport but align with the values of Impact Athletics Academy.

Final Announcement

Once the final decisions are made, the selected athletes are notified and publicly announced. These athletes will proceed into the comprehensive, two-year development program, where they will refine their skills and prepare for the next level of competition.

Post-Selection Celebration & Next Steps

After the final selection, the group of athletes chosen for the program will be celebrated with a special dinner event alongside
their families. This celebration will recognize their hard work, dedication, and achievements throughout the recruiting process,
marking the beginning of their journey with Impact Athletics Academy.

Celebration Dinner:

The athletes and their families will be invited to a formal dinner event, where the athletes will be introduced to the entire
Impact Athletics team and community. This is an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, share the vision for the
future, and discuss the expectations moving forward. The event will include speeches from coaches, mentors, and past
athletes, inspiring the new cohort to embrace the challenges ahead.

Release of Information for Academic Oversight:

As part of their commitment to the program, each athlete will be asked to release the necessary information to maintain academic oversight. This includes providing up-to-date academic reports, as well as permission to contact their schools for periodic updates on their academic performance. These reports are crucial to ensuring that each athlete is balancing both their athletic and academic commitments.

Creation of Online Portal & Athlete Profile:

Each athlete will be guided through the creation of an online portal to track their progress and help advertise their involvement in the program. This portal will serve as a hub for communication, where coaches and sta can provide updates, set goals, and monitor development. Additionally, the athletes’ profiles will be shared through Impact Athletics’ o cial channels to raise their visibility and showcase their involvement in the program.

Indiana Online Connections Account & Scheduling:

As part of the next steps, athletes will create their Indiana Online Connections account. This platform will be used to manage their academic and athletic schedules, keeping both families and coaches informed. Athletes will work with program sta to finalize their schedules for the 7th and 8th grades, balancing training, competitions, and school responsibilities. This will ensure that athletes have a well-rounded schedule that prioritizes their growth both on and o the field or court.

Next Steps:

Academic Integration: Ensure athletes are enrolled in the necessary programs and courses to meet academic requirements for the next two years.

Athletic Development:Begin setting individualized athletic goals for the 7th and 8th grade years, focusing on skill development, conditioning, and competitive performance.

Program Orientation:A comprehensive orientation session will be scheduled for athletes and their families, where they will be introduced to the full expectations, schedule, and resources available to them throughout the two-year program.

This process ensures that the athletes are fully integrated into both the academic and athletic aspects of the program, setting them up for success as they embark on their development journey with Impact Athletics Academy.