Pathways to Play: Balancing College Ambitions and Athlete Recruiting with Flexible Educational Options

Last week, Katie Andersen participated in a panel discussion, sponsored by Prestans Online Academy, to help families navigate the balance between college aspirations and athletic recruiting for student-athletes. Katie Anderson highlighted the highly selective nature of Division I athletics, noting the limited chances to secure a roster spot in sports like soccer (0.9% for men, 2.4% for women) and football (3.1% for men, 9.5% at any level). Jason Box, Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Swarthmore College, emphasized the importance of time management and support systems at Division III schools. Kevin Ramos-Glew, Director of Enrollment Planning at Dartmouth College, discussed holistic admissions, noting the significance of academic rigor, engagement, personal qualities, and potential. Karilyn Calvert, Director of Academic Operations at Prestans Online Academy, underscored the benefits of online schools like Prestan's, which offer personalized academic plans and strong teacher-student relationships, enabling student-athletes to thrive both academically and athletically.

Things you can do:

• Research scholarship statistics to understand realistic options and review the NCAA guide for the college-bound student-athlete.

• Ask college coaches about their philosophy on recruiting from the transfer portal.

• Understand the potential impact of the House vs. NCAA settlement on Power Four conference schools and the trickle down effect.

• Develop strong time management skills and be prepared to balance academics and athletics in college.

• Inquire about the specific practice and travel schedules of the college sports program when considering a school.

• Maintain a strong academic performance, even during periods of intense athletic training.

• Explore Prestans Online Academy as an alternative educational opportunity for balancing athletic and academic endeavors.