PLACEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL Student-Athletes
Helping international student-athletes find the right fitting prep school in the United States to develop their game, academics, and college exposure.
INTERNATIONAL Student-Athletes
Helping international student-athletes find the right fitting prep school in the United States to develop their game, academics, and college exposure.
PLACEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL Student-Athletes
Helping student-athletes around the world find the right fitting prep school in the United States to develop their game, academics, and college exposure.
WHat We Do
What We Do
Your Pathway to Athletics and Education in the U.S.
THE CHALLENGE
For student-athletes around the world, reaching the next level often requires more than talent. Different systems, culture, limited exposure, and academic requirements can make the jump to U.S. colleges challenging.
That’s where PREP Athletics helps.
We guide international athletes through the U.S. prep -school system, connecting your athletic skills, academics, and goals to programs that build exposure, maturity, and long-term success.
OUR APPROACH
Founded by former Division 1 Air Force Academy athlete Cory Heitz, PREP Athletics has helped families from over 39 countries find the right fitting prep school.
Our approach is personal and practical, combining honest evaluations with proven connections to ensure every athlete is ready to excel on the court, classroom, and in life.
WHat We Do
What We Do
Your Pathway to Athletics and Education in the U.S.
THE CHALLENGE
For student-athletes around the world, reaching the next level often requires more than talent. Different systems, culture, limited exposure, and academic requirements can make the jump to U.S. colleges challenging.
That’s where PREP Athletics helps.
We guide international athletes through the U.S. prep -school system, connecting your athletic skills, academics, and goals to programs that build exposure, maturity, and long-term success.
OUR APPROACH
Founded by former Division 1 Air Force Academy athlete Cory Heitz, PREP Athletics has helped families from over 39 countries find the right fitting prep school.
Our approach is personal and practical, combining honest evaluations with proven connections to ensure every athlete is ready to excel on the court, classroom, and in life.
OUr experience
Our Experience
Trusted by Athletes from Over 40 Countries
WHY PREP SCHOOL?
Who We Help
The Challenge
LIMITED EXPOSURE TO U.S. RECRUITERS
Why Most International Athletes Go Unseen
For international athletes, recruiting exposure is the greatest obstacle. It’s rare for American college coaches to travel overseas for scouting. Their schedules are packed, and recruiting budgets focus on U.S. events. As a result, they look for places where they can evaluate multiple top prospects in one stop. That’s why players competing abroad are often overlooked, no matter how talented. Prep schools bring athletes into a concentrated, competitive, and connected environment where college coaches already recruit.
The Solution
THE CENTER OF COLLEGE RECRUITING
Where Competition and Convenience Meet
Prep schools create a hotbed of elite talent. They compete year-round in leagues stacked with Division I-level athletes, all within driving distance for recruiters. Busy college coaching staffs can scout multiple high-level games during the season, making prep-school circuits a primary focus of their travel plans. College coaches build relationships directly with prep school programs that have proven track records of player placement, and on top of that, helping athletes earn college opportunities is part of the prep school coach’s responsibility. In short, prep schools aren’t hoping for exposure, they are the exposure.
The Process
BECOMING COLLEGE-READY
Training Like a College Athlete Before You Become One
Inside prep programs, athletes train daily in elite facilities under college-caliber coaching. Strength, speed, film study, and skill sessions mirror the intensity of a university schedule. Living on campus pushes maturity and time-management as student athletes learn to balance class, practice, recovery, and academics independently, all in one environment. At the same time, international athletes adapt to American culture and competition, learning communication, pace, and physicality that prepare them to contribute immediately at the next level.
The Result
READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
Prepared Athletes Attract College Opportunities
Why Prep School?
The Challenge
LIMITED EXPOSURE TO U.S. RECRUITERS
Why Most International Athletes Go Unseen
For international athletes, recruiting exposure is the greatest obstacle. It’s rare for American college coaches to travel overseas for scouting. Their schedules are packed, and recruiting budgets focus on U.S. events. As a result, they look for places where they can evaluate multiple top prospects in one stop. That’s why players competing abroad are often overlooked, no matter how talented. Prep schools bring athletes into a concentrated, competitive, and connected environment where college coaches already recruit.
The Solution
THE CENTER OF COLLEGE RECRUITING
Where Competition and Convenience Meet
The Process
BECOMING COLLEGE-READY
Training Like a College Athlete Before You Become One
Inside prep programs, athletes train daily in elite facilities under college-caliber coaching. Strength, speed, film study, and skill sessions mirror the intensity of a university schedule. Living on campus pushes maturity and time-management as student athletes learn to balance class, practice, recovery, and academics independently, all in one environment. At the same time, international athletes adapt to American culture and competition, learning communication, pace, and physicality that prepare them to contribute immediately at the next level.
The Result
READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
Prepared Athletes Attract College Opportunities
95%
Of PREP Athletics Alumni Play in college
$5 million+
in financial aid & tuition costs saved
95%
Of PREP Athletics Alumni Play in college
$5 million+
in financial aid & tuition costs saved
The Benefits
The Benefits
What Makes U.S. Prep Schools the Clear Advantage
Prep schools give international athletes the environment, coaching, and academics they need to develop like college players, years before they get there. Each school combines daily training, elite education, and high-level competition that attracts college recruiters from across the country.
College-Level Competition & Recruiting Exposure
Prep schools play in national-level leagues filled with college-bound talent. Facing better opponents every game week accelerates player development. And because so many top programs are concentrated in one region, college coaches routinely attend games, tournaments, and showcases to find their next recruits. It’s a built-in recruiting network.
Elite Training & Facilities
Athletes train daily in state-of-the-art facilities under coaches with college and professional experience. The regimen mirrors a university system: weight training, skill development, film sessions, and recovery. Every piece is designed to prepare athletes physically and mentally for the intensity of college sports.
Elite Academics & Education
Prep schools pair athletic excellence with elite academics that match or exceed college standards. Smaller class sizes and strong faculty support help international students adapt to the U.S. classroom and strengthen their English communication. It’s an environment where athletes grow as students, learn accountability, and build the academic foundation colleges respect.
Personal Growth & Maturity
Living on campus teaches independence, discipline, and leadership. Athletes manage their schedules, communicate with coaches and teachers, and learn the habits that separate successful college players. Families see real growth, not just in athletic ability, but in responsibility, confidence, and focus.
The Benefits
What Makes U.S. Prep Schools the Clear Advantage
Prep schools give international athletes the environment, coaching, and academics they need to develop like college players, years before they get there. Each school combines daily training, elite education, and high-level competition that attracts college recruiters from across the country.
College-Level Competition & Recruiting Exposure
Prep schools play in national-level leagues filled with college-bound talent. Facing better opponents every game week accelerates player development. And because so many top programs are concentrated in one region, college coaches routinely attend games, tournaments, and showcases to find their next recruits. It’s a built-in recruiting network.
Elite Training & Facilities
Athletes train daily in state-of-the-art facilities under coaches with college and professional experience. The regimen mirrors a university system: weight training, skill development, film sessions, and recovery. Every piece is designed to prepare athletes physically and mentally for the intensity of college sports.
Elite Academics & Education
Prep schools pair athletic excellence with elite academics that match or exceed college standards. Smaller class sizes and strong faculty support help international students adapt to the U.S. classroom and strengthen their English communication. It’s an environment where athletes grow as students, learn accountability, and build the academic foundation colleges respect.
Personal Growth & Maturity
Living on campus teaches independence, discipline, and leadership. Athletes manage their schedules, communicate with coaches and teachers, and learn the habits that separate successful college players. Families see real growth, not just in athletic ability, but in responsibility, confidence, and focus.
Our Reputation
Our Reputation
HEar what players and Parents have to say...
How We Help
How We Help
How PREP Athletics Guides Athletes, Step by Step
Our process is built around honesty, expertise, and results. We take the time to understand each athlete’s goals, level, and background, then match them with prep -school programs that fit academically, athletically, and financially.
Evalution
We start by understanding your full story. Athletic ability, academic standing, goals, and financial range. Every athlete completes a free assessment so we can accurately evaluate which prep schools fit best. Parents receive honest feedback — no inflated promises, just clear direction based on years of placement experience.
PLACEMENT
Once we know your level and goals, we connect you directly to prep-school programs that align with your needs. We use our established relationships with coaches across the country to make introductions and guide communication. Families receive realistic school options and insight into financial aid, admissions, and placement timelines.
GUIDANCE
You’re part of the PREP Athletics family for life. Not only will we be there to guide you through the transition into your new school, we’ll also be there long after you arrive. Whether you need advice on college recruiting, academic balance, or your next step after prep school, we’re always here to help and cheering for you every step of the way. Our goal isn’t just placement, it’s a family environment that we create to be with you throughout your athletic journey.
There’s no pressure, no obligation.
Just clear guidance from a team that’s helped athletes from over 39 countries reach their goals.
How We Help
How PREP Athletics Guides Athletes, Step by Step
Our process is built around honesty, expertise, and results. We take the time to understand each athlete’s goals, level, and background, then match them with prep -school programs that fit academically, athletically, and financially.
Evalution
We start by understanding your full story. Athletic ability, academic standing, goals, and financial range. Every athlete completes a free assessment so we can accurately evaluate which prep schools fit best. Parents receive honest feedback — no inflated promises, just clear direction based on years of placement experience.
PLACEMENT
Once we know your level and goals, we connect you directly to prep-school programs that align with your needs. We use our established relationships with coaches across the country to make introductions and guide communication. Families receive realistic school options and insight into financial aid, admissions, and placement timelines.
GUIDANCE
You’re part of the PREP Athletics family for life. Not only will we be there to guide you through the transition into your new school, we’ll also be there long after you arrive. Whether you need advice on college recruiting, academic balance, or your next step after prep school, we’re always here to help and cheering for you every step of the way. Our goal isn’t just placement, it’s a family environment that we create to be with you throughout your athletic journey.
There’s no pressure, no obligation.
Just clear guidance from a team that’s helped athletes from over 39 countries reach their goals.
Our Process
The Process
Your Journey to the U.S. Starts Here
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Prep School Pathway
We know the process can feel overwhelming, especially from overseas. Here are the most common questions we receive from international athletes and parents. Each answer is based on years of helping families navigate this journey honestly and successfully.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Prep School Pathway
We know the process can feel overwhelming, especially from overseas. Here are the most common questions we receive from international athletes and parents. Each answer is based on years of helping families navigate this journey honestly and successfully.
What is a prep school and how is it different from a regular high school?
Prep schools are college-preparatory boarding schools that combine challenging academics with advanced athletic programs. They feature smaller classes, professional-level coaching, and structured routines that mirror the college experience. Unlike standard high schools, prep schools emphasize player development, accountability, and daily competition that leads to real college recruitment.
Why do international athletes attend prep schools?
For international athletes, exposure and adaptation are the biggest challenges. Prep schools place players directly inside the U.S. recruiting network where college coaches actively scout, while helping them adjust academically, athletically, and culturally. They provide a proven bridge to college sports, delivering the structure, coaching, and competition needed to succeed.
What is a post-grad year and who should consider it?
A post-grad (PG) year is a nine-month academic and athletic program taken after high school graduation and before college. It allows athletes to develop physically, academically, and emotionally, gain another recruiting season, and improve scholarship opportunities, all without using a year of NCAA eligibility. It’s ideal for players who need more exposure, to mature emotionally or physically, or to raise their academic profile before college.
How does a prep-school year compare to junior college (JUCO)?
A prep-school or post-grad year does not use NCAA eligibility, unlike a JUCO. Prep schools also offer higher-level academics, stronger structure, and better living environments. JUCOs are often regional and are a better fit for those who need help raising their academics or don’t have the financial means for a prep school.
How much does prep school cost and can international students receive aid?
Tuition ranges from $38,000 to $87,000 USD per year, depending on school and program. Many offer need-based or merit aid. We can’t guarantee aid in any way, however our team can help families navigate this process to find realistic options. Factors such as academic strength, athletic level, family income, and geographic diversity can all affect scholarship potential.
When should we start the process?
Ideally 6 to 12 months before enrollment. Starting early lets schools review transcripts, film, and aid applications in time for their admissions deadlines. Many prep schools offer rolling admissions, but early preparation opens more opportunities and financial aid availability.
How important are grades and academics?
Academics matter. Prep schools expect effort in the classroom just as much as on the court. Strong grades and test scores expand college options and increase aid eligibility. Most schools require recent transcripts and may recommend the TOEFL or Duolingo for non-native English speakers. There are also prep schools that can assist those who need to improve their academic record.
Do you help with the visa and travel process?
Yes. The prep school that a player will eventually commit to will issue a Form I-20 which is needed to receive an F-1 visa. Each school has an international office that will help you through this entire process.
Who is a good fit for PREP Athletics and who isn’t?
We work with athletes who are driven, coachable, and ready to grow on and off the court. If a player is unwilling to train hard, embrace academics, or follow honest feedback, this path may not be right for them. Our goal is fit, not just placement, so we only take on families we can truly help.
How does PREP Athletics differ from a recruiting service or agent?
We’re not agents. We’re advisors and advocates. PREP Athletics focuses solely on prep school placement, not AAU teams or college representation. We use our network of trusted coaches to create direct introductions, saving families time and avoiding the “pay-to-promise” recruiting industry trap.
What happens if we start late or missed a recruiting window?
It’s never too late to find a fit. Prep schools often have openings throughout the year and post-grad options for recent graduates. We specialize in helping families identify the best available programs based on current timing and readiness.
Can international athletes visit schools before enrolling?
If you can, definitely. Seeing campus life helps ensure fit. But for many families overseas, a virtual visit and online research are sufficient. Most schools offer video tours and digital materials, and we’ll guide you to the most reliable resources for each option.
What should players expect during a prep or post-grad year?
Expect structure, intensity, and growth. Players attend classes daily, train under college-caliber coaches, and compete in high-level leagues. They gain independence, maturity, and college-ready habits — the qualities that help them stand out to college coaches.
What is the first step to get started?
Everything begins with our Free Assessment. You’ll complete a short form so we can evaluate your athletic level, academic record, and financial range, then receive personalized recommendations for next steps.
Find Your Fit
Get Your Free Personalized Prep School Assessment
Finding the right prep school basketball opportunity starts with understanding your complete situation. Our free assessment collects key information about your athletic abilities, academic standing, and financial considerations to provide targeted guidance specific to your circumstances. This approach allows us to cut through the recruitment noise and give you honest, practical feedback about your options. Most families find that this comprehensive evaluation saves them time and helps avoid mismatched programs that waste valuable development years.
Find Your Fit
Get Your Free Personalized Prep School Assessment
Finding the right prep school basketball opportunity starts with understanding your complete situation. Our free assessment collects key information about your athletic abilities, academic standing, and financial considerations to provide targeted guidance specific to your circumstances. This approach allows us to cut through the recruitment noise and give you honest, practical feedback about your options. Most families find that this comprehensive evaluation saves them time and helps avoid mismatched programs that waste valuable development years.
Questions?
Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours, or feel free to reach out via email to cory@prepathletics.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Questions?
Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours, or feel free to reach out via email to cory@prepathletics.com. We look forward to hearing from you!