Student-athletes from around the area took part in National Letter of Intent signing day ceremonies last month, being recognized for committing to play sports and further their education at the next level. The National Signing Day period is Nov. 9, 2022, for all D1 and D2 sports outside of football or basketball, and the signing period continues through Aug. 1, 2023.
Wednesday, April 12, is the final ceremony of the high school year that most schools will use to commemorate their 2022 student-athletes.
National Signing Day for many sports, especially in Division I, has become a celebrated event. These ceremonies are held so a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent with an NCAA, NCCAA or NAIA college, committing in writing to attend that school in exchange for a commitment from the school to receive financial aid and scholarships.
Technically, student-athletes do not need to sign their National Letters of Intent on the first day of their designated signing period, but many do. Below are updated signing dates for each sport for student-athletes signing in 2022-2023 for 2023-2024 enrollment.
D1 Basketball (early period): Nov. 9, 2022 – Nov. 16, 2022
D1 Basketball (regular period): April 12, 2023 – May 17, 2023
D1 Football (early period): Dec. 21, 2022 – Dec. 23, 2022
D1 and D2 Football (mid-year JC transfer): Dec. 21, 2022 – Jan. 15, 2023
D1 and D2 Football (regular period): Feb. 1, 2023 – D1: April 1, 2023; D2: Aug. 1, 2023
All other D1 and D2 sports: Nov. 9, 2022 – Aug. 1, 2023
Because athletic scholarships are not given at the Division 3 level, athletes don’t have an NLI to sign, but they can sign a “non-binding standardized celebratory form.” It can be signed by a prospect after the prospect has been accepted to a Division 3 institution.
