Although former Winona State University gymnast Kate West started going on official college athletic recruiting visits for gymnastics during her first year of high school, she said she perpetually felt behind–in her sport, it is not uncommon for individuals to commit to a school in eighth grade. With numerous athletes she competed against pledging their collegiate commitments so early, she initially felt a lot of pressure to find a school to continue her athletic career as quickly as possible. Then she recognized the importance of being patient with the process and urged others to do the same.
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“I always tried to tell my teammates you don't want to commit to a school just to say that you've committed somewhere because you feel like you're behind or that you're not good enough,” said West, who competed for Winona State University from 2018 to 2022. “Because, ultimately, so much can change in those years between the time you commit and when you actually get there.”
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Like West said, it can be discouraging seeing teammates and competitors receiving multiple college offers, but it is important to remember that there are over 7 million high school athletes in the U.S., meaning sometimes talented athletes may go unnoticed. That's why Lafayette College senior golfer T.J. Repczynski tells recruits to not to be afraid to make the first move in the recruiting process instead of waiting for recruiters to come to them.
“You have to be your own agent in some regards to get in contact with these coaches,” Repczynski said. “The more reaching out you do on your own and advertising and marketing of yourself, the more opportunities and looks you're going to get.”
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Deciding where to spend the next four to six years of life can be difficult and, for many, requires considerable thought. Former Villanova University water polo player Kaysie Stuba stresses the value of recruiting visits to gather as much information as possible about critical components that factor into college decisions, such as academics, playing time and scholarship opportunities.
“Ask every question you have and ask the more ‘uncomfortable questions' about financial aid,” said Stuba, who finished up her playing career at the Villanova, Pennsylvania-based institution last April. “Get all the information you need before you commit.”
Another consideration is the time commitment college athletics takes. It's not uncommon for college athletes to practice at least 20 hours a week, ranging from 5 a.m. workouts to training sessions ending at 6 p.m. (or later). In addition to the minimum of 12 hours of class a week to maintain NCAA eligibility, studying, and time spent on injury pre-and rehab and mental health and wellness, being a collegiate athlete demands hours similar to a full-time job. And that's not even counting competition schedules and the time comment involved with traveling.
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Mercer University men's lacrosse player Carl Klepper advises prospective college athletes to consider that as they decide whether or not they want to be a college athlete.
“Understand what your responsibilities are, and thoroughly make a decision whether or not you are prepared to do the workload,” said Klepper, a two-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll awardee.
As with most decisions in life, a positive environment is paramount. According to Pace University swimmer Samuel Gibson, it should be no different for a college athlete.
“You want to be somewhere where you feel comfortable and happy,” he said, “and that will foster your growth and development in the long run.”
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Image Credit: Winona State Athletics/Lafayette College Athletics
* Originally published on March 9, 2023, by Jesse Marsh
