7 Overlooked Expectations of College Student Athletes

If you’re considering playing sports in college, chances are you have had a positive experience as a student-athlete up to this point. However, being a student-athlete in college comes with different expectations and experiences than the role did in high school. These are not necessarily better or worse, it’s just that they are often overlooked when kids are considering whether or not to compete at the next level.

Personally, I thrived as a college student-athlete. The environment provided me many positive opportunities to grow into the person and athlete I wanted to be. Now as a high school coach, I have sent many athletes off to compete in college. Many have been prepared for the changes, some surprised, and some discouraged.

Understanding the expectations of a student-athlete can help assist you in making the right college choice for you. 

Here are 7 Overlooked Expectations of the College Student-Athlete:

1. The Season is LONG. Not only is the competition schedule lengthier than the high school schedule, the whole season is longer. Practices are pretty much all year. Throw in weight lifting, film sessions, traveling, rehab, study hours, team commitments and your pre-season, post-season workouts, you learn pretty quickly that being a student-athlete is a full time job.
2. Responsibilities are DEMANDING. Yes, I am sure you had some killer workouts in high school, but nothing compares to college workouts. Your schedule will have at least four hours blocked off for weights and practices 5-6 days a week. Then add in your competition season and travel. You will quickly learn how to do your homework on the bus or in the airport, how to go to bed before the rest of your dorm floor, and how to balance your schedule to make everything fit in.
3. Everyone is a STAR. Every athlete comes to college with a resume. Every. Single. One. This intimidates some athletes. Motivates others. And shockingly, still surprises quite a few. There are no more special privileges. No more favoritism. What you accomplished up to this point is memorable, but it no longer holds any weight. If you want to play at the highest level, you have to continue to earn it. 
4. Media Coverage is highly PRESENT. Even if you play a less popular sport, anymore, with all the social media channels, everything you do, can and will be seen and scrutinized. As a college athlete, you, more than any of your peers, will need to know how to present and conduct yourself on social media at all times because people ARE watching.
5. Penalties are more SEVERE. Along with point number four, if you screw up, it will be made public. Add on the School, Team, and NCAA penalties you may face, depending on your violation. Plus, you are no longer a minor, so again, depending on the misdemeanor, you can face more permanent consequences.
6. Friendships CHANGE. There is a reason student-athletes like to socialize with other student-athletes. You can’t go play sand volleyball at three with your dorm floor because you have practice. You can’t go tailgate on Saturday because you’ll be traveling to your game. You have different priorities and schedules from your friends who do not participate in sports. It is not that you can’t still, or won’t still be friends, but it is important to have an awareness that you will have to navigate through your different lifestyles.
7. Summers and Breaks are cut SHORT. Depending on where your competition season falls, you may have to report back to school before the rest of the student body, or you may not get to go home for Thanksgiving or Winter break. As stated above, being a college student-athlete is a full-time commitment.

These may seem like harsh realities, or may make the thought of competing in college look like no fun. That is not my purpose of this post. In my experience, rather, I have found athletes to be unprepared for what they are truly signing up for. Yes the experience will differ from campus to campus and expectations vary between Divisions. BUT if you know these things ahead of time, you won’t be surprised or discouraged. You’ll be able to embrace the challenge and follow your dreams.

“BUT if you know these things ahead of time, you won’t be surprised or discouraged. You’ll be able to embrace the challenge and follow your dreams.”

Being a College Student-Athlete is a very rewarding opportunity. However, it is not for everyone. It’s important to know what it takes before you sign on the dotted line.

What other experiences are unique to the College Student-Athlete?

Considering competing in college, read this post on the Mistakes Athletes Make When Choosing A College.

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Play now, Play YOU!

XO, Coach D