Sports are Over… Or are They?

By SAVANNA TROAST

Sports. This is the one thing that students can keep a constant throughout their life. Upon graduation, many athletes feel as if this part of their lives is gone. It is no longer something they can rely on. Having to choose to continue playing a sport through college, or leaving it behind, both decisions can lead to uncertainty and fear.

Being a college athlete is a dream many people hope to achieve. However, many of these dreamers never get to grasp the feeling of playing on a college field. Students have to decide if they should continue their athletic career, or if they have to give it up to focus on their studies.

The path to becoming a college athlete is more than just a choice. Reaching out to coaching, getting into colleges, and students choosing which school is right for them are all part of the arduous process. Picking a school becomes so much harder when a sport becomes involved.

Many students have to choose between a school that's great for academics, and a school that will support their athletic journey. Many athletes have to give up their lifelong dream of becoming a college athlete, because their academics are taking priority. Derek Perri had to make this decision and explained, “School is more about building a foundation for my future, not getting a few more years playing lacrosse”.

Although the decision to give up a sport that has formed students into the person they are, it does not have to be completely out of their lives. Playing club sports in college is as much as an accomplishment. Students get to continue their sport, without worrying about compromising their education.

Club sports are usually looked down upon, but in a lot of cases they are just as competitive as the school teams. Kaiden Dolan added, “Yes, a division one team is my dream, but club sports are just as competitive, just with less commitment.”

Students stress about making the choice, usually forcing themselves to play on a school team. They feel that their sports career could be over if they don't get in contact with coaches. Teens believe that there is nothing else they can do, except play their sport on the highest level.

Athletes need to think about club sports. They need to think about education. Teenagers have to make the best decision for themselves and their future. They should not let the fear of not playing a sport for the school hold them back from going to the college or university of their dreams.