Navigating the Transition from High School Athletics to a College Sports Career

As you lace up your shoes for your final game as a high school senior, perhaps you have feelings of sadness, or maybe excitement, but more than likely – both! The end of your high school career is looming, but just on the horizon, when you lace up your shoes next, you will be wearing a different name on your jersey, your collegiate team.

The transition from high school to collegiate athletics is a monumental step for any competitor. Often, you are coming from being the “big fish” in your high school pond, to just a “guppy” on your new team. The new batch of competition you’re surrounded with is comprised of the best of the best from around the world in some cases. You’ve worked so hard to get here, yet the real work is just beginning.

College sports require an entirely different level of commitment and discipline. Your parents are no longer there to make sure you don’t hit snooze one too many times for your early morning workouts, and it’s 100% up to you to get yourself to classes on time. Managing homework, class projects and exam prep in between training, class, practice and team meals requires you to sharpen your time management and prioritizing skills. These things aren’t a choice for you as a college athlete; unlike other students, your grades determine your eligibility to compete in the game you love.

Participating in college sports will allow you multiple opportunities for personal growth and development; you’ll learn how to build team chemistry on and off the court, how to persevere after a loss, and how to build character through self-discovery. As a college athlete, you are shaping your future far beyond your next four years of competition and classroom studies – sports at this level will undoubtedly prepare you for the real world; your first job, relationships, family dynamics and countless other life experiences.

The lessons I learned in my years as a college athlete have followed me throughout my life and served me well, building resilience and the confidence to tackle whatever life throws at me. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to compete on the college athletic stage.