Whats Next?

I want to first say I am so grateful for having the group of athletes I have to work with.  Not only are these kids talented in the sport they participate in, but also in their studies.  This post is in connection with the one from last week.  Last week I discussed the importance of balance in athletes lives when it comes to sports and school/family time.  This past week I talked with 3 varsity athletes from separate schools in the area.  I asked them what they were planning for school and what I could do to help their development.  They stated they were not going to attempt to play college football competitively at any level but may still do track.  They are talented players for their teams and High School programs.  I asked what they were thinking of studying in college and where they thought they may go.  I already knew how talented they are in terms of study and grades.  I then asked them what they scored on their ACT tests.  The results they stated were nothing less than outstanding.  All of them scored very high including a 33, and a 34.  What this says to me is that they have balanced their time on the field and in the classroom.  They have not just relied on being a great athlete, but they have relied on both.  What this gives the athlete is options.

With scores this high they get to choose where they want to go, what they want to study, and excellent financial contribution opportunities from the schools they choose.  Not every athlete will go on to play college sports.  Some may choose Division 2 schools to play which pay close attention to grades and offer some money.  Some may go play Division 1 with no money from the school except for good grades, and some may choose to play Division 3 with no financial help.  After that some may choose Community Schools to get a start on what they want to study and work hard to develop an idea on what they want to study long term at a bigger school.  Any way you look at it these athletes are getting educated because they have the ability to based on the time they put in in the classroom and studying.

Too often athletes put all their time into sports to rely on just that to go further in life.  YES some make it that way, but the majority do not.  I hear stories and have seen first hand the athlete who has made a name for themselves, get offers and then get hurt.  Some of these athletes never play again and are forced to play catch up on grades that they should have been focusing on when they had the chance.  There are not do overs in the classroom.   To play sports is not a right, its a privilege to participate in sports and its a necessity to get educated these days.

Once an athlete gets to college and is not playing competitively for the school, they can still participate in sports on a rec level and have fun.    Others can start to look at other sports to play that they never had a chance to prior.  I like to see athletes expand out into different sports and find an activity that they love to play.  When athletes high school careers are over there is a possibility of an emotional letdown because so much time, effort, and mental work went in to being successful.  This letdown period may last for some quite long.  Make sure athletes take the time to prepare for this.  Some know going into their last game or event this end is near and they want to go out a champ, while others may throw in the towel.  Remember its the athletes choice how they want to be remembered for what they did in sports and encourage them to do their best. 

In the end for these kids their education is most likely what's going to carry them through life.  This along with good parental support,  good direction, and a positive attitude will lead to success.  If athletes are unsure of their path, find a support group of other athletes who have experienced it to talk to.  Get information and make good family choices.  Remember to always keep learning and studying not only for your education, but also for learning who you are and what you stand for.  Your athletic career can be taken from you but your personal values and education can not.  Stand tall in the classroom and reap the benefits of a quality education.

Thank you to Bob Naughtrip for his sponsorship of this athlete of the week.  This athlete was just outstanding not only in the classroom but as you see around his neck he excelled on the track.  He was part of a team that went to State and was the most decorated in school history at their event.

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