Should I continue playing in college?

Making the choice of whether or not to continue playing in college is a tough one. To help you decide, we spoke with some former collegiate athletes. Here are 7 reasons why they think you should consider playing:

1. Support System
   When you go to college and you are away from your family and friends, being part of a team will quickly help you adjust. You will be surrounded by other teammates and coaches that will provide you with educational, athletic, and emotional support.
2. Health
   Going off to college, you will be challenged with taking care of your own diet and exercise. Being on a team will make the exercise a piece of cake.
3. Time Management
   Having a training and game schedule along with classes, and homework, will teach you how to best manage your time, which will help you when you get a job in the real world.
4. Finances
   College tuition isn’t cheap. If you can receive financial assistance and/or a scholarship for playing the sport you love, you will appreciate it when you have less loans to pay when you graduate.
5. Teamwork
   Being part of a team and working towards a common goal will help you stay focused, give you something to do outside of studies, and give you a family outside of your own.
6. Commitment
   Athletes that stay focused on a goal and work for it throughout their college years, will learn skills far beyond their sport. Athletes tend to be hard working, dedicated, successful people since they learn to never give up and be part of a team.
7. It's just FUN
   Playing a sport in college is also FUN! If you enjoy the game, the atmosphere of a team in college is exciting and enjoyable.

If you aren’t sure yet if you want to continue your journey, it is best to reach out to colleges and keep the door open. You do not need to make a commitment too early, but you don’t want to lose out on letting college coaches know that you have what it takes.