Sports can be a meaningful part of any student’s high school career. As the athletic specialist on the Infinite Futures team, I work with students ranging from the hobby sports player to the serious college recruit. In some ways, I’m biased. I’ve played volleyball since third grade; I played throughout high school on varsity and club teams, was recruited to play in college, coached successful high school varsity teams, and now play on an adult recreational team. I am a lifelong athlete and believe in the power of team sports throughout all seasons of life.
That said, participating in team-based sports doesn’t need to mean making an ultra-competitive-time-and-life-consuming commitment. All students should play sports for their love of the athleticism, teamwork, and camaraderie they can bring. No matter the commitment students want to make, sports can benefit any student and their journey to college.
The hobbyist - The student who loves playing for fun, social connection, and physical activity.
The high school team athlete - The student who wants to play competitively and consistently plays on their high school team. In the off-season, the student finds other activities to enjoy.
The club and high school athlete - The student who wants to play throughout the year at a highly competitive level. Students at this level devote a significant amount of time to their sport.
The state, regional, or nationally recognized or ranked athlete - The student who is playing at a regionally recognized club or national level and placing highly in competitions. This student spends nearly all their available time practicing, conditioning, or competing in their sport.
In these examples, we do not consider multi-sport athletes. Students who play multiple sports, and hope to continue to advance in multiple sports, will need tailored support to navigate the college process.
Students applying to college are encouraged to list their sports involvements in their extracurricular activity lists. Colleges value sports because students can demonstrate several character qualities such as collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. When students dedicate a large portion of their time to playing sports, they are demonstrating these character qualities throughout every season and over the course of their high school experience.
Regardless if a student is going to be recruited or not, sports show commitment and growth over time. Sports can be a great outlet for physical movement, social development, and connection. They can also allow students to demonstrate leadership as a team captain or as a mentor for younger players. Any years dedicated to a sport can help a student evolve, grow, and complement an extracurricular activity list.
Students who wish to continue to play sports in college can continue their sport in several different ways. Most colleges have several levels of sports for students to join, including recruited sports.
Intramural Sports - Intramural sports are college-based leagues that are available to all levels of athletes. These leagues are usually sponsored by the student council and are accessible for any athletes who wish to play. Teams typically sign up and play with no formal try-out process. Intramural sports are a perfect choice for the hobbyist and high school athlete who may want to continue their sport as a fun activity. Club and high school athletes as well as ranked athletes might find these leagues less challenging for their skill set.
Club Sports - Club sports at the college level are organized teams that participate in local college leagues and compete against other schools. These are usually try-out based and can travel regionally. Generally student-led, some teams have hired part-time coaches. Club sports are great for students who participated on varsity high school teams or club teams. Ranked athletes might find these leagues less challenging.
College Varsity Sports - Varsity sports at the college level are official athletic teams of the college. These are typically recruited sports, and they are the most competitive and structured teams at the college level. College varsity sports are for those students who are playing, at least, at the club and high school varsity level, as well as the ranked athlete. These teams expect a high level of knowledge, proficiency, and commitment. Students need to have several years of experience at a highly competitive level to be recruited or be successful walking on.
Regardless of how a student wishes to continue their sport beyond high school, sports will always add to their applicant profile. Beyond high school, the lessons students learn in sports last far beyond a high school team. Taking the skills like teamwork, practicing motor skills, time management will all have an impact in a students career choice and how they show up for their careers. If you’d like to learn more about how sports can support your student’s path to college, sign up for a meeting with our team.
Kelly Braun is first and foremost a student advocate. Working in the educational field for over 17 years, she has been a cheerleader of student dreams since she earned her Bachelor of Arts and then went on to earn her Master of Education. Prior to joining Infinite Futures, Kelly has worked in university admissions and international high school counseling. Most recently, she was Director of High School Counseling and University Guidance at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Tokyo, Japan. Kelly is active in the international and US Association for College Admissions Counselors, presenting at industry conferences, serving as faculty at counseling training institutes, and volunteering to support students.
