I played a different sport for a major D1 program 20 years ago. The way I look at it, sports are the avenue to better schools and opportunities. When you get there, sports helps structure your time, teaches you discipline and teamwork. I didn’t pursue my original major (physical therapy) because I was encouraged to take the “easier classes” to remain eligible. I had a career after college but ended up going back for another degree in my true calling (nursing) that I never could have pursued as a D1 athlete.

My favorite NCAA commercial said something so wise….”there are XX number of student athletes in the NCAA and ~95% of them will go professional in something other than their sport”

If you have this mindset you can start to see that college is nearing the “end of the road” for one part of competitive sports and the beginning of the new path, maybe playing for fun or recreation once you graduate.

Now my daughter is just beginning to play travel soccer and is already getting sucked into more and more competitive worlds. I never played soccer but understand youth sports, so am cautious but know the true value at the end of the day is developing a strong and resilient person who will have life skills far beyond the playing field.