To Redshirt or Not to Redshirt

Pros and Cons of Redshirting

By Christie Ackendorf|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on December 31, 2021)

As a college athlete, you have 10 semesters to graduate and 4 seasons to play. You immediately use a year or season of eligibility when you compete in an organized competition with your team, unless you redshirt.

There are a lot of reasons someone may use their redshirt season. Each athlete's situation is unique, so take a look at these pros and cons to decide whether redshirting is an option for you.

Pro: You get more time to adjust
Without using your eligibility, you get to have an inside look at the ins and outs of the sport, campus, league, and team. It also allows you more time to get settled into life as a college student.

Con: You won't be able to do or get everything that the team does
Redshirt athletes usually miss out on some team privileges. This can include traveling, working out, film, free gear, and other advantages.

Pro: You have an extra semester of your sport
While you won't get to compete an extra semester, you still get to spend that extra time on the team, training, and working toward your goals. You can even use this extra time to take more classes or spread out your workload. This is something that you should start planning even now. Make sure you get the most out of your extended time.

Con: You'll be expected to train extremely hard
Combining a little bit of a pro and a con, you will be expected to make some major accomplishments during your redshirt season. You should probably be training hard anyway, but without competing, you will have much more time to work hard and less “rest” days. Make sure you have something to show for the time off.

Pro: Free weekends
Just because freedom is yours, doesn't mean you should use it irresponsibly. Put in some extra time, whether that's in the gym or with your school work. Remember why you're there. Focus on your long-term and short-term goals.

Con: Redshirting means a year without competing
While this one might seem a little obvious, I think it's still something that you should probably read twice. Remember, you're making an investment into yourself, your team, and your sport. Make sure that this is something that you can commit everything to.

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