Advice for High School Athletes Who Don't Continue Their Sports in College

Originally written for and published by PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT 

Jun 23, 2017

If you're a student-athlete, you've probably already been warned about the slim chance that high school athletes have to play in college. The National Collegiate Athletic Association reports that of the 8 million high school students that participate in athletics, about 6 percent of them move on to an NCAA sport. Any dedicated athlete loves their sport and by the time they're ready for college, have put plenty of blood, sweat, and tears into their game. You're also well-equipped to handle a loss, but nobody prepares you for the possibility of having to give up your sport entirely. Keep reading for tips on how to stay active and motivated even if you aren't recruited. 

1. Walk-On 

If your school's team has open tryouts, contact your coach to see if you can walk-on. Joe Leccesi, recruiter for Next College Student Athlete, explains that while there may still be an opportunity for you to play, walk-on athletes may not receive the same amount of playing time in games, academic support from the athletic department, or even fair treatment from teammates who are on an athletic scholarship. If you're wondering if this is an option for you, Leccesi predicts "if you are an athlete who has had to grind for everything you have, are an excellent teammate, and are extra competitive (without harming your role as a team leader), you will probably have the character and work ethic needed to make it as a college walk-on." 

2. Play on a club team. 

Playing on the school's official team may not be an option, but there are always people on your campus or in the area who have a club team organized or who may be looking to get one started. This could be a great way to meet people and maintain your athletic abilities in a fun way. 

3. Create a workout plan with some friends. 

The last thing you want to do if you don't play your sport in college is not staying active! Create a workout plan that fits your academic schedule. To make your workout fun, incorporate some exercises you may have done at practice. Find an accountability partner, or even a "team," to keep you on track (If your school has a PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT chapter, this could be an even better option!). 

4. Coach a younger team. 

Another fun thing you could do is volunteer as a coach for younger athletes. During the summer, there are teams looking for younger coaches to bring up the next generation of athletes in your sport. 

While it may suck to not be able to play at the college level, you'll have more time to dedicate to being a student rather than having to juggle the role of both student and athlete. You also get more free time to explore your other passions, enjoy college life, and support your school's athletic teams as a fan. Just because you may not have gotten the opportunity to play on your school's team, doesn't mean you can't play at all and especially shouldn't keep you from maintaining a healthy lifestyle.