Becoming a college athlete is fun, tiring, rewarding, and busy. It is also something that can distract you from the major aim of college: getting a degree and academics.
Students who are also athletes should be able to do all of it, meaning that they would be best if they succeed at their sports while also succeeding in their classes if they aim to play in their entire college days.
If you don't have the intention of making the sports you play your career, college is the last opportunity for you to compete at a thing you enjoy before you totally give it up or join a low-key occasional adult league outside your job. If you're hoping to make the sports you play an actual career, then playing in college might just be the ticket you need into the major leagues.
For instance, expert football recruiters watch college-level football games to figure out the stars of tomorrow.
What are the benefits of playing sports at the college level?
- It can help you understand time management.
- It can help you grow your leadership skills.
- It can help you grow your communication skills.
- It can help you have excellent physical growth.
- You'll be able to make friends who have similar interests.
- You can use your spare time to play the sport you enjoy.
- There's a chance that you'll earn an athletic scholarship.
- It can help you relieve academic stress.
- You'll learn from a coach that's passionate and knows a lot about your sport.
- You can travel to locations you never thought you'd ever be to.
- Your public exposure will be great via media interaction.
- You get the chance of becoming one of your college ambassadors.
What are the negatives of playing sports at the college level?
- If you do not manage your time well, it could have a negative effect on your academics.
- The time commitment in your college sporting career might affect the friendships you build outside of sports.
- You might miss some relaxed evenings and weekends because of games, practices, or tournaments.
- You may need to spend your free time in the gym or conditioning outside your official practices.
- You'll likely not get as much playtime as you want, depending on your teammates' skills.
- Your sleep time might be altered because of late games and early practices.
- Your professors or classmates may apply a pervasive stereotype on you.
- There's a chance of you getting injured.
There is no doubt that the benefits of playing sports in college can noticeably outweigh the drawbacks. All in all, it is left for you to decide if it is something you'd like to do. You should also decide if this is something you want to pursue as a career outside college or something you'll only do as a college student.
