What if your student’s love of the game could lead tomore than just a win on the scoreboard? What if it could open the door to college, mentorship, mental wellness, and long-term success?

In this episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Dr. Enzley Mitchell IV, founder of PrepSearch(https://prepsearch.net), seasoned NAIA and NCAA coach, and lifelong educator, to break down what athletic recruitingreally looks like today, how families can leverage sports strategically, and why being a college athlete is about way more than a scholarship. 

Dr. Mitchell’s experience spans nearly every level of college athletics—from Division I basketball to athletic director roles at HBCUs and small liberal arts colleges. He’s helped build championship teams and first-generation college success stories. Today, he’s on a mission to help families navigate theconfusing college athletics landscape through his groundbreaking PrepSearch College Success Seminar.

🏀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    •    The myths and mistakes families make during athletic recruitment

    •    Why waiting until junior year is too late to build your college-athlete plan

    •    How to prioritize cost, location, major, and career even in athleticdecision-making

    •    Why NAIA and D3 schools are often overlooked gems for student-athletes

    •    The mental health benefits of sports and why athletic identity helps studentsthrive

    •    What makes a program “transfer-safe,” “coach-connected,” and worth your trust

    •    And how faith, structure, and mentorship form the foundation of Dr. Mitchell’s advising philosophy

🎯 If your student is in grades 8–12 and loves their sport, this episode is a must-listen. Athletic recruiting is changing fast—and the families who win are the ones who plan with purpose.

🔗 Links + Resources:

    •    Learn more about PrepSearch and Dr. Mitchell’s programs: https://prepsearch.net

    •    Subscribe to the Application to Admission podcast for more insights on college admissions, storytelling, and access