Student Athletes Feel Stress When Finding a College Home

Image submitted by Malachi Moreno

Sophomore Malachi Moreno is working through the process of finding a college athletic program that will be a good fit for him.

Ella Drew Bourget, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2022

Students would think receiving a Division 1 offer would be exciting and rewarding. While it is those things, receiving offers also comes with a lot of stress and preparation. Trying to make one’s decision and set oneself up for the future while balancing high school sports can be challenging for some student athletes.

Athletes Look for Guidance on Their Decision

One thing that seems to help student athletes with their college decisions and setting up for their future is their parents’ support. Junior Great Crossing cheerleader Aby Christopher recently committed to the University of Louisville’s cheer team. Christopher said, ”My family was a big part in making my decision; they knew that UofL is where I wanted to be. Throughout my whole cheerleading career, my family has been my number one supporters. Without them, I would not have reached the place in cheerleading I am today.” 

Not only do these athletes get support from their parents, but support also comes from their coaches. Senior point guard for the Lady Warhawks basketball team Rachel Smith is one that turns to her coach for advice.  She said, “High school coaches basically tell me it’s [basketball] like a job, and I have to give it my all. My scholarships can be revoked if I don’t do that.” Smith’s coaches already have reminded her about the importance of academics. “I also know I have to perform in the classroom,” she stated. 

Students Look for A Good Fit

Not only does personal connection with coaches matter to these student athletes, but athletes look for a school that can provide them with a good education, as well as an environment where they are comfortable.  Smith knows what she is looking for in a college. ”I want it to be a small school. I don’t see myself wanting to go to a place like EKU where it’s absolutely huge. I also want them to have to have my major which is the most important thing. I really like the small class with the teachers that can actually help.”

Malachi Moreno, sophomore, is a basketball player that is looking at colleges.  Like Smith, he is not solely focused on athletics.  He said, “I factor in academics, because I want to go somewhere that is a good fit for what I want to major in.”

Relationships or connections with people at a school is another important aspect of finding a good fit.  Moreno explained, “Personal connection definitely matters, because I think if I can’t connect with a team or coaches on a personal level, then I definitely shouldn’t be there.” Athletes want to feel that there is someone on campus that they can rely on while away at school.  Many athletes like to keep in touch with these coaches through text or occasional phone calls, and the relationship needs to be strong in order to do this. “

While on college visits, Moreno is focused on the connections he sees between current coaches and players and looks for several things.   “Key things are how coaches treat players because when you’re on a visit you don’t want to see a coach like break down their player and not build them up,” he explained. 

Motivation is Important for Success

Finding a good fit for an athlete doesn’t equal automatic success. Athletes understand that they must contribute to the process as well. Smith knows that being self-motivated is critical. “I tell myself leaving it all out there on the court is what’s best and if you don’t come out of the game like dead tired then you didn’t play hard enough.”

With preparing for college these athletes also have to find ways to promote themselves and get their name and skills out there. Smith does this by the hard work she puts in on the court. She said, “During tournaments and high school competition, I play my hardest and leave it all out on the court and don’t show attitude. I let my game do the talking.”

Capturing the Attention of Colleges Requires Effort

LIke many other aspects of life in 2022, student athletes are using technology to help capture the attention of colleges.  Social media is one way that they promote themselves. Christopher said, “I also used social media to post my skills where colleges from all over can see my skills and could also contact me if interested.” 

Successful student athletes know that a tremendous time commitment is necessary to get the collegiate offers.  The time involved in athletics is an additional source of stress. Smith said, ”It’s one of the most stressful things I’ve ever had to go through, but I use my parents and family friends that I know also play sports.”

Christopher explains what her week is like with practices and how wanting to put in even more work outside of practice also takes up a lot of her time. ‘I have school cheer three to four days a week, and the days I don’t have school cheer I have All-Star cheer practice. I always try to come into my all-star practices early to work on my skills. Louisville will sometimes practice at GymTyme, which is where I do All-Star, so I’m constantly able to see the team and work with them if I’m able to. It can take up a lot of time, but it’s something I love and I wouldn’t ever trade it.”

Athletes juggle a lot more than people think. College decisions can make or break their future, and having a strong support system is important.