There were some good articles in the New York Times recently about college recruiting and scholarship money.  The series of articles definitely highlighted the somber tails that some

student-athletes experience. Like anything else, we usually only get to hear or

read about the top 1% who have success.

I believe that there needs to be a shift of thinking in the college recruiting

process, both by parents and student-athletes. As athletes we have pride. Sometimes

that pride serves us well and other times it can hurt us. Most of us expect or

hope for scholarships to play in college. Parents definitely hope for it and

think that we are the next best player since Tom Brady (Coincidently, he was a

6th round draft pick.)

Yes, college tuition is getting more expensive every year. Therefore, we feel that it is important to

get a scholarship. I know that I was looking to get one to help my parents. (I

was also hoping that if I got a scholarship out of high school, they would buy

me a Suzuki Samurai with wood paneling on the side.)

Neither happened.  I ended up "walking on" at the University of Virginia and driving a beat up Ford

Pinto with no A/C. The summer after I graduated high school, I received a call

from Liberty University with an offer for a “full

ride.”  I respectfully declined. 

It should not be about “show(ing) me the money.”  I understand

that there are some people that cannot go to college for financial reasons

unless they get an athletic scholarship.

However, for this discussion, the shift in mind set should be focused on the benefits of playing

college sports.   Athletics offer more

long term benefits then tuition alone.

Pursuing sports in college can increases acceptance opportunities.  Once there, just a few of the traits you

learn are:

• Time management

• Discipline

• Team work

• Self-Motivation

• How to deal well with pressure

Those skills and a college

degree will ultimately land you with a great job when you graduate.

Many employers look first to student-athletes for the above mentioned

traits when hiring.

If fact there is even a website geared towards hiring student-athletes

out of high school: http://www.athletes4hire.com.

Read the series of articles in the NY Times .

Good luck!