International student athletes in Divisions I and II colleges rose by 283% from 1999 to 2019, according to the leading college sports governing body the NCAA. But it’s harder than ever before to qualify for NCAA sports as coaches' recruiting standards are more competitive now than they were several years ago, according to athletic recruiting organization NCSA Sports. These standards have made it more difficult for international student athletes to secure spots on NCAA teams, so a growing number are starting at National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) teams. This organization governs athletics at two-year junior colleges where students pursue their associate degree.