Colleges will recruit student athletes to play for their school teams. Most times they will offer to pay for all or part of the student's education in exchange for playing in their team. If this is something that you are interested in, being consistent with attendance and academics is crucial starting in 9th grade. 

What is the NCAA?

An organization that aids/rewards student athletes with scholarships to further their education.

From the website: "The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes."