how to get recruited for the javelin

The Stars of The Event

The javelin throw is an event with a rich history, celebrating pure strength and technique. The all-time greatest male thrower is widely considered to be Jan Železný of the Czech Republic, who holds the world record of 98.48m. On the women's side, the record belongs to his countrywoman, Barbora Špotáková, with a staggering throw of 72.28m. In the collegiate scene, programs like the University of Georgia, the University of Texas, and Texas A&M University have consistently produced elite javelin throwers. These schools and others in the SEC and Big 12 conferences often dominate the event at the NCAA level, attracting top talent and providing a platform for future Olympians.

Division 1

For high school javelin throwers with aspirations of competing at the Division 1 level, your throwing distance is key. To be considered for a D1 program, male athletes typically need to throw between 185 ft. (56.39m) and 210 ft. (64.01m). The very best throwers who get scholarship offers are often at the higher end of this range. For women, the recruiting standards are generally between 115 ft. (35.05m) and 173 ft. (52.73m). Keep in mind that a coach's evaluation also considers factors like throwing technique, athletic potential, and academic performance, but hitting these marks is a necessary first step.

Division 2

Division 2 colleges offer a fantastic opportunity for athletes to continue their javelin career while pursuing a degree. While the standards are slightly different from D1, they still require a high level of performance. For men, a throw between 170 ft. (51.82m) and 195 ft. (59.44m) will put you in a good position to be recruited. Women should aim to throw between 96 ft. (29.26m) and 145 ft. (44.2m). These ranges represent a realistic target for dedicated high school throwers seeking to compete at the collegiate level with the possibility of receiving scholarship money.