What is the difference between recruiting and retention in college athletics?

• A. Recruiting is attracting and evaluating new student-athletes; retention focuses on keeping current athletes to graduation.
• B. Recruiting means selecting coaches; retention means ticket sales.
• C. Recruiting and retention are the same thing.
• D. Retention only applies to academics.

Answer: (A)

Recruiting is attracting and evaluating new student-athletes; retention focuses on keeping current athletes to graduation. In practice, recruiting involves identifying prospects, evaluating their fit, communicating with them, offering scholarships, and signing them to the program. Retention involves supporting the athletes already in the program—academically, athletically, and personally—so they stay engaged, remain eligible, perform well, and complete their degree.

The other statements miss essential parts of the picture: recruiting isn’t about selecting coaches, retention isn’t about ticket sales, they’re not the same thing, and retention isn’t limited to academics.