2 answers
Jack
Student
Mount Pleasant, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best college path to choose when wanting to go pro in playing a sport?
What career? What to study? What will help the most? How do I go pro?
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
783
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would check the region, to see what kind of programs there are in your region, to see what they offer, as far as quality athletics and academics
I would also not limit yourself to a Division I school. There are also very good college and universities at the Division II, Division III and the NAIA level, who need very good athletes. Professional teams select players from all four of the divisions.
I would also consider putting together a Athletic Resume and Cover Letter for the coaching staff of these colleges.
These resumes are like a job resume, but instead of applying for a job, you are going to be applying for a position on a college team.
There are many examples and templates of these resume's and cover letters to be found online.
You will basically be outlining, to the coaching staff, all of your various athletic skills, positions played, awards and honors, accomplishments, academic honors, and other things you have achieved in your athletic career.
Upon completing your resume and cover letter, copy them out on paper and send them to the colleges and universities, coaches and athletic offices, you wish to attend.
I would send them through the actual postal mail, rather than an email. Coaches have to me, that they literally get thousands of emails from potential athlete candidates, but if they receive an actual letter, in the mail, that is something that stands out, because they get so few personal letters in todays online, email generated world.
This is an option to consider, in helping you to achieve your athletic and academic goals
I would also not limit yourself to a Division I school. There are also very good college and universities at the Division II, Division III and the NAIA level, who need very good athletes. Professional teams select players from all four of the divisions.
I would also consider putting together a Athletic Resume and Cover Letter for the coaching staff of these colleges.
These resumes are like a job resume, but instead of applying for a job, you are going to be applying for a position on a college team.
There are many examples and templates of these resume's and cover letters to be found online.
You will basically be outlining, to the coaching staff, all of your various athletic skills, positions played, awards and honors, accomplishments, academic honors, and other things you have achieved in your athletic career.
Upon completing your resume and cover letter, copy them out on paper and send them to the colleges and universities, coaches and athletic offices, you wish to attend.
I would send them through the actual postal mail, rather than an email. Coaches have to me, that they literally get thousands of emails from potential athlete candidates, but if they receive an actual letter, in the mail, that is something that stands out, because they get so few personal letters in todays online, email generated world.
This is an option to consider, in helping you to achieve your athletic and academic goals
R M
Sales
1
Answer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
R’s Answer
Having a goal to go pro in sports is great and individuals can also take many paths to get there. However, I think it's important to understand the amount of work that will be required as your goal is shared by many others. The best way to achieve this goal is through work in both school and your sport, it's estimated that of the 500,000 college athletes only 2% become professional athletes. This brings up the question, do you have the work ethic necessary to put in the time to go pro?
The other part to remember is that a professional sports career averages between 3 to 10 years depending on the sport. With this goal you could be retired before 30 years old. What are you going to do with your time and your profession when your athletic career is over? How can you use your work ethic to not only excel in sports but also in a career? There are many companies who like athletes because of their work ethic, drive to compete and be the best.
I'm aware of athletes who played high school, went to a D1 school then the pros. I'm also aware of people who played high school, went to a community college then transferred to a D1 school... The key piece to remember is that you are a student athlete. Student first then athlete. Never give your coach the chance to doubt your ability to do well in the classroom. If you can do well in school then you are likely more coachable in your sport. Having a HS coach who can honestly recommend you (grades, work ethic and talent...) to a college coach is a key to success.
All the best in your journey!
The other part to remember is that a professional sports career averages between 3 to 10 years depending on the sport. With this goal you could be retired before 30 years old. What are you going to do with your time and your profession when your athletic career is over? How can you use your work ethic to not only excel in sports but also in a career? There are many companies who like athletes because of their work ethic, drive to compete and be the best.
I'm aware of athletes who played high school, went to a D1 school then the pros. I'm also aware of people who played high school, went to a community college then transferred to a D1 school... The key piece to remember is that you are a student athlete. Student first then athlete. Never give your coach the chance to doubt your ability to do well in the classroom. If you can do well in school then you are likely more coachable in your sport. Having a HS coach who can honestly recommend you (grades, work ethic and talent...) to a college coach is a key to success.
All the best in your journey!