Earning a college degree in the United States, especially from a college or university deemed elite or prestigious, is seen as the path to a more financially secure and prosperous life for the student and their family. Competition for financial aid or admission to top-ranked colleges and universities is fierce. For this reason, families of all different income brackets find whatever advantage within their means to gain scholarship dollars and admission preference. It is well documented by both scholars and mass media outlets that athletics is among the best available paths to college access and admission. Aside from engaging in scandal, securing a collegiate roster spot at any institution is difficult. It entails numerous hours away from academics and navigating an additional layer of regulations. This study examines how high school student-athletes who desire a college athletics roster spot narrate their college choice. Using a narrative inquiry design, the study explores the students' experiences with the various elements of selecting a college, including athletic recruitment and NCAA initial-eligibility processes. The study delves into student support systems provided by schools, parents, and other sources that may affect a student's success in understanding and navigating athletic recruitment and initial-eligibility. The study further explores American youth sports, particularly private club sports, and how it situates high school student-athletes to secure college roster spots and athletic scholarships. Finally, it considers the experiences of students who lack access to the private youth sports model. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]