@bewilderedmom - I’m not sure what you say is absolutely true. Sure - some coaches use their slots to give kids who are not quite as qualified a boost. But if a coach really wants/needs a particular athlete he will got to bat for him and give him the slot even if he has a perfect ACT score. And there is more leeway in sports like football than in other sports. Certain sports like tennis and XC, there are enough high stats high performers where the school doesn’t need to lower any admission standard to fill the team w/ strong athletes.