Messalonskee multisport athlete Ally Turner, left, and Cony High School graduate and former hockey player Cam Wilson pose at Thomas College in Waterville on June 6.

Boston College women's basketball coach Erik Johnson says he is refreshed when he gets a recruit who is "just an athlete." However, even Johnson acknowledges that athletes on the cusp of playing big-time Division I athletics are usually specialized by the age of 18.

University of Hartford baseball coach Justin Blood says high school athletes who play just one sport will make improvements quicker than their counterparts. However, Blood cautions that no one should choose to specialize solely because they want the big college scholarship offer.

Lawrence manager Kellie Goldsmith, left, and center Nia Irving celebrate after the Bulldogs won the Class A state championship on Feb. 28, 2015, at the Augusta Civic Center.

University of Maine baseball coach Nick Derba says the lure of a college scholarship is a big draw for student-athletes these days.