Student Athletes- Earned Their Spot
Student Athletes—they really amaze me. Before I had two sons that were student athletes, I had no idea what was involved and what would consume the majority of their life. Practices six to seven days a week, workout sessions, personal trainers...and that's just the beginning. Then there's praying they make the B team for seventh grade or again in ninth grade as they enter high school.
Also, did you know that these aspiring athletes must keep up their grades as well? Yup, they need to stay on top of those books in addition to training hard. So now let's throw a tutor and some study sessions into the mix! Talk about a full-on workout for the mind!
There are also times when you have to make a difficult decision as a parent that may require sacrifice on your part, such as allowing your child to attend a prestigious boarding school far away (7 states) at the age of 15. That's right - they've been recruited in 10th grade and must re-classify which it means an extra year of education. While it may seem like a daunting task, you have to take as much of a leap of faith with this opportunity as your child does! After all, it is their future we're talking about- not yours.
Now the real work begins... you're recruited, and your schedule is tighter than ever. Practices are more intense, trainings are taken to the next level, and your schoolwork is much more challenging. You've left home and not a soul around knows you - all while your family is hundreds of miles away... yet luckily, now you have a new family in the team. Welcome to NEPSAC div/league!
Junior year finally arrives, and your college recruiting journey begins! After what felt like a lifetime in lockdown at boarding school (during Covid 19), you take to the skies to visit colleges across the US. But little did you know, this recruitment year would be anything but easy. With coaches unable to travel, most interaction is conducted via Zoom - far from ideal!
So, all those years of hard work have led up to this moment: narrowing it down to just a few schools that could be a perfect fit for you. It's a rollercoaster of exciting highs and heart-breaking lows.
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By the time he reached college ball, you knew what to expect—hours of intense practice, workouts, and trainings; classes that were highly challenging; traveling far away from home, leaving his family behind...and now being one of many Top Dogs on his team instead of being the sole standout star. It was a transition.
Now, another son follows a similar journey and is absolutely thrilled to be recruited for college ball - how amazing! Two NCAA athletes in the family! The process was a bit more nerve-wracking this time around as he didn't leave home to go to boarding school prior to college, however was fortunate enough to be recruited in the same state as his brother. However, being two student athletes meant there's not an extra hour to squeeze out of day – so connecting is almost not an option.
Freshman year for him brought unexpected challenges such as trying to find his place with the 'Top Dogs' of his team, alongside coaching issues that would make national news. At 19, finding himself thrust into the spotlight whether he wanted it or not. Now a year without any family nearby - on top of the team's spotlight moments (not for great reasons) - meant that bonding with the team was solidified and he grew up in leaps and bounds, whether he was ready or not.
Let's not forget about the pulled muscles, fractures and broken bones that became all too common in their lives! Ice baths, massage guns and med trainers became as familiar to them as an old friend. They were part of their daily routine, providing much-needed relief from the ever-present aches and pains. , such is the life of an athlete!
As any athlete knows, there is an element of mental stress that must be endured. My children were no exception to this rule. They had to contend with the physical stress of their sport, as well as the mental pressure they put on themselves to perform at a high level and achieve success. The drive to succeed was part of their everyday lives and it took its toll on them mentally. However, it also pushed them to reach new heights and excel in ways they never thought possible. As parents, we were always there for our kids when they needed us most, which allowed them to overcome these challenges and become confident in their own abilities.
But all of this is driven by the student athlete's passion and love for their sport. It requires sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance to make it through. The next time you see an NCAA athlete at ANY level, take note; they have truly earned their spot in the team!
Great share, Tammy!