How Ivy League Track Recruiting Works
Fast Track Recruiting, founded by former Columbia University Head Coach Willy Wood, helps high-achieving track and field athletes gain admission to the nation’s most selective colleges
In just seven years time, Fast Track Recruiting athletes have been recruited by all eight Ivy League schools and top Division III schools such as MIT, U Chicago, Johns Hopkins, and Wash U.
Two Decades of Ivy League Head Coaching Experience
Willy Wood — 20 years as Head Coach, Columbia University Track & Field & Cross Country — brings unmatched insight into Ivy League athletic recruiting. Ivy League recruitment is unique: academic standards, financial aid rules, and evaluation protocols differ from other NCAA Division I processes. Many guidance counselors and high school coaches are not familiar with those nuances. Our Ivy League Recruiting package gives student-athletes and families a clear, practical roadmap from first contact to admission and aid.
What makes Ivy League recruiting different
Academic Index: Ivy admissions give heavy weight to academic credentials. The Academic Index (grades, curriculum rigor, standardized testing history where applicable) and how it’s presented alongside athletic accomplishment is critical to being considered.
No athletic scholarships: The Ivy League awards need-based financial aid only. Recruit evaluation and final aid packages depend on demonstrated family financial need, not athletic scholarship offers.
Financial Aid Pre-Reads: Early, accurate assessment of expected need-based aid helps families plan and demonstrates to coaches that an athlete’s financial situation aligns with likely institutional support.
Likely Letters and Coach Advocacy: A Likely Letter can be decisive. Coaches must craft compelling, accurate evaluations that sit alongside academic files; understanding the timing and content of coach communications is essential.
What we provide in the Ivy League Recruiting package
Academic Index optimization: We evaluate transcripts, course selection, and testing (if applicable) and advise how to present academic information to maximize admissions consideration.
Complete recruiting strategy: Personalized outreach plan, timing advice, and best practices for emails, calls, and campus visits tailored to each Ivy program’s culture and timeline.
Crafting coach communications that highlight fit and readiness.
Likely Letter positioning: Strategic activities and timelines to maximize the chance a coach will recommend a Likely Letter when appropriate.
Why choose us
Insider experience: Willy Wood led Columbia Track & Field & Cross Country for 20 years and directed recruiting at the Ivy League level — experience that directly informs strategy, timing, and messaging.
Tailored to Ivy League: We focus on the Ivy League recruiting environment — academic indexing, need-based aid processes, Likely Letters, and coach-admissions relationships.
Measurable outcomes: Clients receive a clear plan with milestones, checklists, and timelines so progress is trackable from initial contact through admissions decisions and financial aid offers.
Who benefits most
High-achieving student-athletes seeking an Ivy education and varsity competition
Families navigating need-based financial aid who need realistic projections and timing
High school coaches and counselors who want expert, Ivy-specific guidance for their athletes
Unlock Ivy League Success with Fast Track Recruiting
Led by Willy Wood, former Head Coach of Columbia University Track & Field/Cross Country for twenty years, our Ivy League Recruiting package offers unparalleled insight into the unique nuances of Ivy League athletic recruitment. With a deep understanding of the Ivy League process, including the Academic Index, Financial Aid Pre-Reads, and Likely Letters, Coach Wood will guide you from start to finish.
Benefit from personalized consultations and candid advice on what it takes to succeed in Ivy League recruitment. Our experienced staff will ensure you receive the highest level of consideration for admission and secure the most generous financial aid packages. With two decades of Ivy League coaching experience, we provide unmatched expertise to help you navigate this competitive process successfully.
Take advantage of our Ivy League experience and turn your collegiate dreams into reality with Fast Track Recruiting.
Learn more about track and field in the Ivy League.
