Do you dream of winning an Olympic medal or competing in a packed stadium with thousands of roaring fans? For many South African student-athletes, the path to international success starts with a US athletics scholarship. If you have the talent and drive, we can help you secure a spot at one of the top colleges in the US.

Athletics, or track and field, is one of the most popular college sports in the US, with thousands of athletes competing. Events are often broadcast on TV and can also be streamed online.

College athletics is a multi-billion-dollar industry that offers a high level of competition and training for student-athletes.

Student-athletes get exposure to professional scouts and recruiters, often leading to opportunities for those wanting to take their sport to the next level.

South African athletes on global stage

South Africans Antonie Nortje, a talented runner from Pretoria, and Miné de Klerk, a standout shot-putter from Welkom, have been competing globally since securing US scholarships in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Antonie started at the University of Texas, then went to UCLA and has recently transferred to Texas A&M University, while Miné is at the University of Nebraska. Both competed at the Olympics in Paris last year.

Antonie has built an impressive collegiate track record in the US. Competing for UCLA in 2023 and 2024, he achieved multiple All-American honours. He also set indoor school records and earned podium finishes in the Pac-12 Championships, where he clocked a personal best of 45.05 in the 400m, ranking seventh in the programme’s history.

As part of the 4×400m relay at the Olympics, Antonie qualified for the final and placed fifth overall while setting a new national record.

Miné is a two-time gold medalist in shot put at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, claiming top honours in 2021 and 2022. She also earned a silver medal in discus throw in 2021 and a bronze in 2022.

Miné is regarded as one of South Africa's brightest young talents. After competing at Stade de France in her Olympic debut, she now has her eye on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Full and partial scholarships in US

It can be tough to secure a US sports scholarship. Only students who show exceptional ability in athletics or track and field will be successful. If you don’t manage to obtain a full scholarship, there are opportunities for partial scholarships, which can be combined with academic awards to cover tuition and living expenses.

Athletic scholarships are awarded by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

See: US college sport organisations: Comparing the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA

Boost your chances of getting a US scholarship

  • Start early: To get a competitive edge, start planning in Grade 9 for the college scholarship process. Remember that gathering footage of your performances, and preparing for standardised tests like the SAT or ACT takes time.
  • Maintain high academic standards: Many programmes require a strong academic record alongside athletic ability. You won't be accepted on your sporting talent alone.
  • Do your research: Make sure you are familiar with the division levels. Take virtual tours of different colleges to find which ones appeal to you.
  • Build a compelling resume: Compile a professional resume showcasing your athletic achievements, academic performance and extracurricular activities. Include statistics, awards, and highlights to make a strong impression. If used correctly, social media can help you land a US college sports scholarship.
  • Contact coaches: Send personalised emails to coaches with your resume and video. Show enthusiasm for their programme and follow them on social media.
  • Seek professional guidance: Navigating the scholarship process can be complex, so consider working with professionals who specialise in connecting international student-athletes with US colleges.

If you want to further your athletics career at a US university, get in contact with one of our sports recruiters who will be happy to chat to you about your options. Fill in our free online evaluation or send us an email at sports@sableinternational.com.

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