When I first got on campus, I met my advisors right away and formed a time management routine that worked well for me. However, I had no idea that being a student athlete would give me countless skills beyond just how to go fast on the race course. Being a student athlete almost forces you to be social from the beginning and helps to establish life-long friendships and relationships. Practices occur on a regular basis where drills are practiced and physical energy is used at its optimum for maximum performance for games. What a great article. Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. The family you develop through college athletics extends far beyond your immediate team as well. It makes me, and I dare speak for the rest of the Council Coaches, so proud and happy to see you and the other Okemo kids such at the Riley boys, Greg Murray, Natalie Wetmore and many more, continue to ski race in college after growing up on Wardance at Okemo. You wrote an excellent article. More than 90% of former student-athletes surveyed 10 years after finishing their eligibility reported they were satisfied with their overall college experience. While there are many benefits of being a student-athlete in college, there are also many factors to consider before committing to a collegiate athletic program. 4. How to Find the Right Fit. The fourth benefit is time management skills. The Benefits of Being a Student Athlete. Our coaches, professors and teammates have high expectations for us, and we work hard to fulfill them, even when that sometimes means taking those few steps outside of our comfort zone. Every Sunday, I sit down for about 30 minutes and plan out what my week will look like. Is the coach recruiting players similar to your child? Students-athletes often feel pressure to perform well on the field, and the added stress can detract from their academic or social success. Though some students view look at athlete-focused support services skeptically, in fact they may come in handy in the process of adjusting to a new lifestyle. Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. It can be easy to focus on a school’s athletic facilities or prestige when debating where to enroll as a student-athlete. The enormous amount of money being made off of college sports has led to the question whether students should be getting paid for their performance. While academics come first—and athletics should also be a priority for those on a team—there are many other experiences to be had in college, as well. Scholarships and Grants. After completing his final season of college baseball and graduating from St. Lawrence, Brent Gray was thrilled to land a finance job with a comprehensive benefits package. So why do they do it? Hope this helps answer your question! Along with students in student government and other campus organizations, athletes are seen as some of the most influential students on campus. 1. Being a college athlete is a full time job. When an athlete goes to college, it provides an opportunity to choose an alternate career path. Oftentimes, the choice to “stretch” for the most competitive athletic program within a student’s reach can prove detrimental to their athletic and academic endeavors. I said yes and no because we have tons of sports that are popular that don’t take place in snow/winter, everything from soccer, lacrosse, basketball, swimming, ultimate frisbee, equestrian, etc. We all know, it is a tough sport with lots of downs and a few ups! Remember, the college experience is multi-faceted. The panel upheld a lower court ruling barring the NCAA from capping education-related compensation and benefits for student … Being a student athlete is an enormous commitment. Op-ed: The pandemic provides the opportunity and challenge to legalize the college athlete who no longer is, by definition, a student. The benefits of being a student athlete are many, including having the focus of school, different life experiences, and time to develop self-discipline. Being a High School athlete helps to prepare you to achieve the proper time management skills needed at the collegiate level. Student-athletes are highly motivated and goal oriented so it is safe to say they have put in a lot of work to even be a college athlete. One of the most complicated issues in many student-athletes’ careers is the sense that they are playing for reasons outside of themselves and their teammates. Future Employers Look for Intangibles This is such an important skill to have, especially since being an athlete also requires a lot of flexibility (particularly when your sport is almost entirely weather-dependent). “If they have five NAIA offers, one D2 offer, and one D1 offer, your child is probably an NAIA athlete. These days include classes, study, strength training, conditioning, practice, travel and games and meets. My coach was right: we are most successful when pushed to the point of being uncomfortable — it all really does come full circle! In fact, they are on the ice or on the court working toward their own goals, while I am on the slopes working toward mine. The bonds you form with your teammates are really something special and are by far one of the biggest takeaways from collegiate sports. I include due dates, exams, practices, even things like when my favorite TV show is on, and then hang this above my desk so I know what is happening each day of the week. I know that even once I graduate, I will remain a part of the Golden Knight family and can’t wait to see what the next group of young athletes bring to Clarkson’s programs! Athletes also have those four years to grow in their sport. I spent an entire season once during which my parents would drive me more than two hours to race every weekend, and I finished only one or two races cleanly all season. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up the NCAA's appeal of a lower court decision that loosened the limits on compensation given to student athletes. These days include classes, study, strength training, conditioning, practice, travel and games and meets. “We also believe we need to teach our student-athletes to never quit no matter what. While being able to continue my passion for skiing was just an added bonus, it gave me some of my biggest takeaways from my college experience. Check out the Azusa Pacific athletics website and see what it takes to become a Cougar. As a student-athlete, we are constantly pushing ourselves both physically and mentally to be the best we can be in many aspects of our collegiate careers. My name is Libby McCusker, and I am one of the senior captains of the varsity Alpine ski team here at Clarkson and an innovation and entrepreneurship major. Being a student-athlete has greater benefits than skipping college to solely play sports. Your teammates experience everything that comes along with the sport right next to you. So whether you’re planning on competing at the collegiate level already, are on the fence about it, want to continue playing or are interested in a club or intramural sport, I would like to share with you the top three skills and attributes I have developed over the last four years that I will carry with me to my next adventure in life. Yes and no. Some of my strongest friendships at school are those with my teammates, likely because we ride the emotional rollercoaster that is our sport, together. However, there is more to the college experience than simply competing in the nicest arena. It is very important to have good time management skills. This is what truly highlights the benefits of being a student-athlete in college. No matter how important athletics are to you and your child, make sure that you spend at least as much time on a more traditional campus and academic tour as you do on an athletic recruiting visit. Community and Family It is a blessing to somewhat look decent to class if you’re a student athlete. Supreme Court agrees to hear NCAA case on student athlete compensation By Ariane de Vogue and Jessica Schneider , CNN Updated 11:58 AM ET, Wed December 16, 2020 Kimberley and Don Widmer, parents of two sons who play football at APU, agree. The wellness benefits for the student athlete are that emotional and physical health are developed and maintained. Well done and good luck in the future! Lifetime registration is 100% free to all employees. Accepted Students Day — Which One Should You Choose? In the right environment, students will be nurtured in academics as well as athletics, and can prepare for a lifetime of success in all of their pursuits. By continuing to access this site, you consent to their use.For more information, view our privacy policy. While scholarships can provide a tangible incentive for prospective student-athletes, placing this level of financial pressure on them can detract from the positive lessons they can learn both on the field and in the classroom. Some student athletes get the joy of going to class sweaty after lifting weights and not having any time to shower, whereas your average sorority girl comes in wearing a $500 outfit, straightened hair, and a full face of makeup. Believe it or not, student-athletes are held to much higher standards and expectations than are normal students. Being a college athlete also … All Next College Student Athlete employees are eligible for exclusive employee discount rates at all top car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise and more!. They chose APU and we were extremely happy they did because we wanted them to have a positive, all-around college experience.”. Working out, training, and practicing are part of your life as an athlete, which … The athlete develops physical stamina to be able to be physically prepared for competition. For parents of hardworking kids who show promise in academics and athletics, knowing how to help them balance the two can be difficult. When you come to Clarkson, you are given a lot of support systems. When you graduate you will have two places to call home and you will probably be constantly homesick forever, both for your new home in the US and homesick for wherever your home country is. When you think college athlete or student-athlete, the common things that come to mind are becoming part of a college team, NCAA (national collegiate athletic association), high-quality fields of talented individuals, traveling to meets, fast cross country courses, lots of team gear, completing a degree, and moving out of home – potentially even overseas. As an athlete, you will be given an academic advisor for both your sport and your given major. I chose Clarkson for the challenging academics, the fantastic job placement rate and the “I belong here” feeling I got when I stepped onto the campus. From the glorious moments of taking pictures with medals and trophies to the endless 6 a.m. wake-up calls and early morning practices where you sprint until your legs give out — they are next to you through it all. Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. Succeeding as a College Athlete: The Importance of Finding a Coach-Mentor, How to Balance Sports and Studies as a Student-Athlete. This is just one ben. Your teammates experience everything that comes along with the sport right next to you. Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable 1289 Words 6 Pages. I know this won’t end when I move on to my full-time professional position. But this feeling of being uncomfortable was not foreign to me because it was something I experienced in my sport everyday. Win or lose, you handle it with dignity, grace, and humility.” These are lessons last a lifetime, while wins and losses fade quickly. Along with maturing, college helps the students meet new people and develop vital business connections. From the glorious moments of taking pictures with medals and trophies to the endless 6 a.m. wake-up calls and early morning practices where you sprint until your legs give out — they are next to you through it all. Some of my best friends at school are not on the hill with me every weekend. However, this time I already expect to be challenged and I crave to be tested, because through my experiences as a collegiate athlete, I realize success is derived from being outside your comfort zone. Being a college athlete has a ton of benefits. According to Scott Hanson, whose daughters were student-athletes at Azusa Pacific University, the best thing that parents can do is simply support their kids with encouragement. “Focus on what will make the student-athlete happy and what they want out of their college experience, then support their choices,” Hanson said, in regard to his students’ holistic happiness as athletes. Not only does it allow you to continue playing the sport you love but it helps prepare you for the real world. Being an elite athlete in college is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can experience in life. Hi everyone! The bonds you form with your teammates are really something special and are by far one of the biggest takeaways from collegiate sports. One of the best coaches I ever had once told me, “If you aren’t falling, you aren’t trying.” This is so true. In the right environment, students will be nurtured in academics as well as athletics, and can prepare for a lifetime of success in all of their pursuits. Is the coach going to be there all four years? Another way college benefits student and athletes is the four years that it allows the students to mature. Is skiing and hockey one of the more popular sports at Clarkson because of more chilly climate? You can find a listing of our varsity (Division I and III) teams at http://www.clarksonathletics.com and a listing of our club and intramural sports at https://www.clarkson.edu/node/35291. Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. It can be easy to focus on a school’s athletic facilities or prestige when debating where to enroll as a student-athlete. “Both my daughters started out at D1 and hated the experience. Here are eight: Higher graduation rates Playing sports in college prepares you for life in a way nothing else can. In addition to what I saw on the hill, there were many times in my internships and classes when I had to push out of my comfort zone, like when giving a presentation or tackling a case study I didn’t know much background information about. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. When you hit a certain level, your teammates turn into much more than people you work through plays or strategize with — they become your backbone, your best friends, your family. In order to manage this schedule, it is important to have strong time management skills. “The NCAA and its members continue to believe that college campuses should be able to improve the student-athlete experience without facing never-ending litigation regarding these changes.” So, if you're considering joining a sport, or even if you're already involved, read on. We have seen so many of our daughters’ friends make the wrong decision and have bad outcomes.”. Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. As a student-athlete, Gray spent most of his offseasons competing in summer leagues rather than pursuing internships or working a job. But while some of these levels require certain skill and commitment, all produce similar benefits for the student participating. Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. You will have two places to call home. “Nothing encourages a student-athlete more than knowing that people who love him are there supporting, watching, and cheering them on,” the couple explained. The Widmers echoed this sentiment, encouraging parents to ensure that the school and coaching staff their children are considering attending and playing for are a good fit. You have practice every day for several hours, sometimes causing you to wake up at 5 a.m., take a full course load, maintain good grades, do homework and study for exams, and occasionally miss class to travel for games, all while still trying to have a social life and live the “college experience”. Benefits Of College Athlete; Benefits Of College Athlete. Benefits to Being a Student-Athlete in College posted on: Jan. 22, 2013, 9:12 a.m. | tags: Web Star Recruits Benefits Student-Athlete Aside from taking your athletic career from high school to the next level, there are many benefits to being a student athlete at the collegiate level. Being a college athlete will force you to be healthier. Does the school have the major your child wants? “Don’t put unrealistic expectations in their heads about college scholarships in high school because it will take away from their high school experience with their teammates and coaches,” Hanson noted. If your child weren’t playing sports, would he or she still attend that school. We all condition in the same gym, we go out and support each other and we hang out in our down time. Lastly, going into college can be a nerve-wracking time for those who find socializing easy. Time Management It was in that season that I learned how to push myself, and I came back the next season finishing in the top 10. By competing in collegiate sports, student-athletes learn valuable life skills such as cooperation, leadership, and time management that they can applyin the so-called “real world.” Engaging in sports also help in developing one’s positive attitude towardsself-improvement, discipline,goal-setting, self-esteem, and camaraderie. 5 Benefits of graduating from college as a student athlete – Part 2. One of my coaches once told me that we find our most successful moments outside of our comfort zones, and I have found this to be very accurate and not just relevant on the hill. The Best Ski & Snowboard Spots Around (Us). For example, if as a ski racer I spent my career thinking to myself in the start gate, “I’m just going to ski this safely, make sure I reach the finish line and not worry about gaining too much speed because then I may get hurt,” I wouldn’t have much success and probably wouldn’t have made it very far in ski racing in general. Not only are they looked up to by their peers, but also by people in the community, typically smaller children, as well. Succeeding as a college athlete not only establishes you to excel in balancing and time management but also prepares you beyond the playing field, which leads us to discussing some key benefits of being a college athlete. Hi Libby! My name is Libby McCusker, and I am one of the senior captains of the varsity Alpine ski team here at Clarkson and an. In order to manage this schedule, it is important to have strong time management skills. From texting early morning good-luck texts to venting to each other when things don’t go the way we want, sharing this bond of competing at an elite level really gives us a sense of comfort with each other. When you hit a certain level, your teammates turn into much more than people you work through plays or strategize with — they become your backbone, your best friends, your family. Required fields are marked *, Hi everyone! The first benefit is probably the best. Benefits information above is provided anonymously by current and former NCSA Next College Student Athlete employees, and may include a summary provided by the employer. One of my coaches once told me that we find our most successful moments outside of our comfort zones, and I have found this to be very accurate and not just relevant on the hill. Having a schedule planned out can help you better manage changes in scheduling because you already have an idea of what your daily goals are. Azusa Pacific University focuses on a holistic educational and character-building experience, which helps student-athletes succeed in their sport—and in life. These days include classes, study, strength training, conditioning, practice, travel and games and meets. To wrap up this post, deciding to compete in a sport at the collegiate level was one of the best decisions I made. Our coaches, professors and teammates have high expectations for us, and we work hard to fulfill them, even when that sometimes means taking those few steps outside of our comfort zone. From athletic scholarship money, to academic scholarships, to government assistance, being a student-athlete gives you access to not only financial aid money, but to aid in figuring out your aid – which can sometimes be half the battle! This is what truly highlights the benefits of being a student-athlete in college. “We wanted to find a way that benefits all student-athletes ... Every student-athlete will be provided a valuation of their brand as ... of appropriately valuing the modern-day college athlete. Skiing is popular because of our climate and being so close to lots of great skiing and snowboarding spots, even for students who have never skied or snowboarded before. So a special shout out to Mom and Dad for continuing to drive me all over the northeast that season while knowing that the likelihood of watching me cross the finish line was slim, because that season really taught me the most! When I came to Clarkson, I was thrilled to be able to compete at the collegiate level in a sport that I had worked so hard at growing up. Being a college student athlete, it is something that you will have to figure out quickly, or you may be in a bit of strife. This website uses cookies to gather anonymous usage data. In fact, the majority of former college athletes say that being part of a team helped prepare them for life after college. The vast majority of college athletes never go on to compete professionally. Some of my strongest friendships at school are those with my teammates, likely because we ride the emotional rollercoaster that is our sport, together. A small portion of being a successful athlete depends on your actual skills on the field, on the court, on the hill or on the ice, while the rest is having mental strength and being a good teammate. Hoping to learn more about the athletic programs at APU? Personalized Visit vs. The benefits of playing sports in college stretch far … “Being in the place that fits them the best will help ensure their success in college, their sport, and later in life,” they noted. Two things I would love to also mention about ski racing is that is fosters perseverance and passion; two qualities that you have truly demonstrated. According to the NCAA some of these benefits are scholarships, grants, insurance, the prospect of a professional career in sports plus more. Works about 40 hours a week all condition in the nicest arena hockey one of the more sports. Importance of Finding a Coach-Mentor, how close I can go, how to balance and! 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