If you are passionate about two sports it can be heart breaking to decide which one to pursue in your collegiate career. The question is: Do you have to choose?
Let's talk about how to play two sports in college.
This is not an easy task and it can be a big challenge but if you are dedicated to playing both sports, there are a few options to make it possible. You will see majority of 2-sport athletes in the Division II and Division III schools. This is just because the demands of each sport is a little less then if you are trying to attend a top Division I school.
It makes it easier when your sports are in different seasons, and ones that don't overlap. For an example, a soccer player in the fall and a lacrosse player in the spring. The sports that have the overlap makes it harder, especially at the Division I level when you have more out-of-season practices, a longer pre-season, and longer seasons.
You have to think about your time as well. You are a student-athlete and what comes with being a student is the education. You have to make time for your classes and your education. Two-sports can fill up you calendar quickly, with practices, games, lifting and conditioning, and film. You have to take your time into consideration. Can you manage your time well enough to make it work?
Be open about your desire to be a multi-sport athlete with the coaches in your recruiting process. Coaches typically love the athletes that play multiple sports during their time in high school. It shows athleticism and commitment. They will be open to the conversation. Some will be open to it and you can have a realistic conversation about how it could work, and some may say they would rather have you focus on one. It is important to talk about this early in the recruiting process. Especially if it is a deal breaker.
Remember, you are now getting recruited for two-sports. That is twice as many conversations then if it is one sport. It will take some more time and dedication. Be open and committed to the process!
It will be hard but with passion and hard work it is possible. You have to find the right school, and the right coaches that will work with you. Here are some athletes that have done it before:
- Kyle Murray - Played football and baseball for the The University of Oklahoma and was a draft pick for the NFL and the MLB.
- Peyton Williams - played volleyball and basketball for Kansas State University
- Kenzie Kent - Played hockey and lacrosse at Boston College
- Tony Brown - Played Football and ran for track & field at Alabama and went on to play for the Green Bay Packers.
If your dream is to play two-sport know it has been done before and the level of athleticism you need is high. Find the right school for you and the right level of play and it could be doable for you.
