Thank You for Taking the First Step

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to complete the PREP Athletics assessment for {{contact.first_name}}. Any parent willing to invest time, energy, and care into their child’s basketball journey is already doing something meaningful. Simply starting this process puts your family ahead of most.

Our goal at PREP Athletics has always been to give families honest, realistic guidance — even when that guidance is difficult to hear.

Where Things Stand Right Now

Based on the information you shared, we’re unfortunately not the right fit to help at this time.

Most traditional prep schools cost between $38,000 and $82,000 per year. When a family’s working budget is under $25,000, pursuing prep school often becomes unrealistic — not because of effort, talent, or ambition, but simply because of cost.

That reality can feel frustrating. And it’s important for us to say this clearly:

This is not a reflection of {{contact.first_name}}’s ability or potential.

It’s a financial reality many strong basketball families face — and it’s completely okay.

The Good News: You Still Have Real Options

While prep school may not be the right path right now, there are proven, respected alternatives that families in your situation use every year to keep players moving forward.

1. Junior College (JUCO)

Junior college is one of the strongest options for players outside the prep school financial range.

JUCO programs offer:

• Immediate playing time
• A structured academic environment
• A direct pathway to transfer into 4-year college programs

Many Division I and Division II players began their careers at the JUCO level. For the right athlete, it can be a powerful springboard.

2. College Placement Specialists

Another proven path is working with a college placement specialist. These professionals help families navigate recruiting by:

• Guiding film and exposure strategy
• Assisting with outreach to college coaches
• Helping athletes target realistic levels of play

This option is often far more affordable than prep school while still creating meaningful opportunities.

Here are three trusted professionals we respect in the basketball space:

George White – Recruit U
Known for his one-on-one, family-focused approach. George takes time to understand each player and connects them with realistic opportunities based on ability and goals.

Steve Schafer – Net Result Recruits
Steve has deep relationships with college coaches and a strong track record of helping athletes get seen at the right level.

Dan McHale – Collegiate Recruitment Consultants (CRC)
A former Division I coach, Dan brings firsthand recruiting insight and helps athletes position themselves effectively with college programs.

3. Staying Home and Building Exposure

Some families choose to remain at their current school while investing in:

• AAU competition
• Skill development and training
• Quality game and highlight film

College coaches recruit heavily from film and live events. With consistency and the right plan, this path can still lead to real opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

Not pursuing prep school right now does not mean the dream is over.

It simply means the path forward looks different.

Many successful college players never attended prep school. What matters most is choosing a route that aligns with your family’s reality while still keeping momentum moving forward.

Staying Connected

We truly appreciate you reaching out to PREP Athletics.

If your situation changes in the future, or if prep school becomes a realistic option down the road, we’d be happy to reconnect and reassess.

Until then, we’ll be rooting for you as you continue chasing your basketball goals.

You’re doing the right thing by seeking clarity, and we wish your family nothing but success on the journey ahead.