Sometimes, college sports aren't what you thought they'd be. The stress outweighs the benefits, and suddenly you're questioning if this is the right path for you anymore. 

Jaime Evers, former OIT athlete, tells of her experience:

When I was in high school, my whole identity was running. I only wanted to go to a college that would let me run cross country and track for them, regardless of the division, conference, or even team record. My dream came true, and while at first, it felt like I was living the dream, I quickly learned it was nothing like I expected. I knew it would be hard, and I expected the time commitment, but I didn't expect the coach to be super dishonest and to do everything in his power to convince me that I was there for him, not for an education (and this was NAIA!). The moment I decided to quit, it was like a weight off my shoulder. I could pursue my education without him trying to bring me down, and I had so much more freedom with running as well. Even though I quit the team, I didn't quit the sport. It doesn't show lack of strength or commitment, but moreso a dedication to myself and knowing what was best for me.

How a Good Coach Changed my Life

If you find yourself in a similar situation, there is nothing stopping you from quitting your sport. But, there are factors to be aware of. This is not a decision to take lightly, and you might consider it for many months or even years before making a decision. 

If you have an athletic scholarship, you will lose that scholarship. Sounds pretty obvious, but many do not consider this when determining if they should step away or not. Can you afford school without it?

There are also other options that could take place instead of quitting all together, like transferring, but if you have found yourself to fall out of love with your sport, there is nothing wrong with quitting. 

Related: Knowing When to Transfer

Many college athletes quit their sport. Maybe transferring isn't an option for you, maybe you had a bad coaching experience, or maybe you find that sport isn't your priority anymore. This doesn't mean you're a bad athlete or that you can't commit. Rather, it shows the strength to make the decision that's best for you, rather than the decision everyone else wants you to make.

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* Originally published on December 20, 2021, by Andrea Leitner