In the 2025-26 school year, more than 600 high school seniors across Minnesota have signed athletic aid documents, making official their commitment to Division I and Division II sports programs.

Dozens more have committed to play sports for Division III universities or two-year colleges.

The road to finding the ideal situation to play college sports isn’t as simple as some would think. It requires communication, planning and locating a college program that fits a student’s goals — athletically, financially and academically.

Stewartville senior guard Audrey Shindelar, who will play college basketball at South Dakota State, said it would be great for younger prospects to try to find a program that doesn’t just prioritize what dominates today’s recruiting landscape, including name, image and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal.

“Recruiting-wise, you should find a place that is good for you and don’t chase the [other things],” Shindelar said. “Find your values and your beliefs and go to a school that has those things. I think the transfer portal does change things, but for me, I don’t want to transfer. I want to stay somewhere for four years, so finding a place where you can stay would be great.”

Shindelar said playing close to home and family was important to her, but that might not be a major factor for everyone. There’s one thing she thinks is universal, though.

“Finding obviously a coaching staff and environment that I liked,” she said. “I suggest that everyone else probably should do the same.”

Here’s advice from athletes in the graduating class of 2026 to Minnesota’s younger prospects:

Micah Davis, St. Cloud Crush, swimming (signed with Virginia)

“Definitely just take your time and be aware that there’s options, because a lot of people rush into it. I mean, I committed really fast, but I kind of just knew it was home for me. But yeah, just take your time with it because at the end of the day, you’re going to spend four years living there. So, you don’t want to make a mistake and have to move around.”

Maddyn Greenway, Providence Academy, basketball (signed to Kentucky)

“Prioritize relationships with coaches and the people at schools. I think that’s what a lot of young athletes going through that process need to understand. Who is going to be there when you’re struggling? It’s not always as good as it looks on recruiting visits. You’re going to go through mental things, physical things, injuries, God forbid, but like, who will be there for you when things don’t go completely right? … Everyone has NIL, everyone has facilities, but if the people are right, you’ll get through anything.”

Maddy Kimbrel, Holy Family, hockey (signed with Wisconsin)

“I had great friends when it came to [leaning on friends or teammates], like, Macy Rasmussen (at Ohio State), I’m really close with her. She went to Orono with me, and she kind of helped me through [recruiting].”

Kimbrel continued: “I would just say: Everything happens for a reason. ... Everyone’s process is gonna look different. But like, in our family, we’d say God has a plan for you, and you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be. So like, I think it’s important to remember that, important to know it’ll all work out in the end, and whatever is meant to be will happen.”

John Murphy, St. Michael-Albertville, wrestling (signed to the Gophers)

“Take your time. Don’t jump to any conclusions right away. What happened with me is I grew over time and in that time, I grew as a person. That’s when things started to change. So, I would say don’t rush into anything. Things might change for you. Whether you want to stay home or go far [away], take your time and enjoy the process, too. I didn’t enjoy it enough.”

Jayci Rath, Stewartville, basketball (signed to St. Thomas)

“Learning about [St. Thomas women’s basketball coach Ruth Sinn’s] retirement, I was kind of shocked and kind of sad, but I’m still excited for the future and will be playing at St. Thomas. It was a pretty easy decision for me to still go to St. Thomas. It’s a really good school. They produce a lot of good women and good jobs come out of there.”

Godson Rufus-Okomhanru, Mounds View, football (signed to North Dakota State)

“It’s a big connection [going to a school with other players from Minnesota]. Going in not knowing anybody, if you know people [from your state], there can be familiar faces. You see them on social media and can get in touch with those people, especially on visits. And you can connect more as time passes on. It’s great going into college with them because it’s a great opportunity to get to share that with people you know.”