What is required for a student-athlete to be considered eligible under NCAA rules?

For a student-athlete to be considered eligible under NCAA rules, meeting academic and performance standards set by the NCAA is essential. This encompasses various criteria related to academic achievement, such as maintaining a certain GPA, completing required courses, and achieving specified standardized test scores. Performance standards may also include maintaining athletic eligibility throughout their college career, which ensures that student-athletes are not only excelling in their sport but also fulfilling the academic obligations necessary for participation.

While engaging in community service or obtaining a coach’s recommendation may be valuable for personal development and may enhance a student-athlete's profile, they are not formal requirements for NCAA eligibility. Similarly, submitting a personal statement of goals could be useful for recruitment but does not affect eligibility under NCAA rules. Therefore, the core focus remains on academic and performance standards established by the NCAA, making this the correct answer.