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!
my boy is going to SWCC on a 1/2 scholar. in wrestling and I want him to look at this--I'm 60 yrs old , a liver recipient and I look at opportunity in the eye as I carry somebody's liver and acknowledge my life to be shorter than most--the kid is a great wrestler but not as wise as me--I will show him this -it seems like a perfect plan to success in harder times. I fell short financially and only want the best for my talented son who doesn't see yet what's to come re: the world, in general...I don't see the prettiest forecast and Jesse is dead meat if he doesn't motivate NOW--we are poor and the econ. scene looks very grim--a solid vocation like this would protect him better in times of trouble, like ie.. fireman nurse, pharm. rep etc.--you get what I mean.