On the morning of the last game of a great season, the whole team gets an email from their coach. The message is simple, that college scouts will be watching in the stands today. For those who dream of playing college sports, this is the opportunity they’ve been waiting for since freshman year. It could lead to recruitment or, in some cases, even scholarships.
But the varsity experience in college is very different from high school; to compete at that level requires dedication and passion, not to mention a significant time commitment. Many students feel limited in their options when trying to pursue athletics in college. Though it can seem like you need to be a pro athlete, there are options for every skill level.
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Know Your Division
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, classifies colleges and universities into different divisions, pairing schools against other comparable teams. Division I athletic programs are the largest, with the most competitive teams and most available resources. Stadiums for DI teams often seat over 50,000 fans, larger than the total enrollment at many colleges and universities!
Though Division II and Division III programs are smaller, these varsity teams are still highly competitive; they also offer opportunities to travel and compete nationally. Being part of a varsity team competing in an NCAA league can feel like a part or full-time job; requiring hours of practice, exercising, and conditioning. Being familiar with the differences between the divisions can help you find an athletic program that matches your needs. And if you decide the varsity life isn’t for you, there are other options.
Know Your Competitive Level
After playing a sport throughout high school, some students want to continue in college while others are looking to try out something new. Fortunately competing at the varsity level in the NCAA or another league is not the only available option. Club Sports are competitive programs that compete against other schools but often require less of a time commitment than a varsity program. At many schools, you’ll find a wider variety of club sports offered than varsity sports. If you enjoy playing competitive sports and have always wanted to try soccer or ice hockey, a club team is a great option to consider. Hoping for something more casual? If you’re looking to make new friends, stay active and have fun, check out your school’s Intramural Leagues. You’ll be competing against other students at your school in sports such as Frisbee, flag football, dodge ball, basketball and softball.
Know Yourself
Regardless what level you choose to compete at, varsity, club and intramural sports all come with their own benefits and challenges. As a varsity athlete, you’ll spend a significant amount of time traveling during the season. Most varsity programs offer athletes academic assistance and tutors, but it’s a very different learning environment from being in class five days a week. Club sports are still competitive and offer opportunities to travel but are often supported partially by dues paid by the members. Intramural sports are mostly for fun with seasons lasting as little as six weeks, so they can be an ideal option for the casual athlete looking for a wide variety of options.
Whether you’ve been playing a sport since before you could walk, recently discovered passion for one in high school or want to try something new in college, schools offer many different ways to be involved. If you’re unsure of whether or not a team is right for you, reach out to the coaches or athletic department at your college. They’ll be happy to show you around their facilities and give you a sense of what life as an athlete in their program is like. Do your research and explore all of your options and you’ll find the right team for you. Game on!
Hero (Top) Feature Image: lema / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in order) Courtesy:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Montclair State University
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Anthony Muccio is a former college admissions professional and education researcher currently advising students one-on-one with his private practice. After years working at large state and small private schools, he decided to spend time focusing on helping unique learners reach their full potential.
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