“Being in the place that fits them the best will help ensure their success in college, their sport, and later in life,” they noted. I know this won’t end when I move on to my full-time professional position. When you come to Clarkson, you are given a lot of support systems. Future Employers Look for Intangibles We have seen so many of our daughters’ friends make the wrong decision and have bad outcomes.”. “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. “Nothing encourages a student-athlete more than knowing that people who love him are there supporting, watching, and cheering them on,” the couple explained. This website uses cookies to gather anonymous usage data. 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. Practices occur on a regular basis where drills are practiced and physical energy is used at its optimum for maximum performance for games. How to Find the Right Fit. The vast majority of college athletes never go on to compete professionally. 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. By continuing to access this site, you consent to their use.For more information, view our privacy policy. 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. 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). Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. Lifetime registration is 100% free to all employees. 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. Community and Family Personalized Visit vs. “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. 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. I am constantly pushing myself, seeing just how fast I can go, how close I can cut it without falling. Another way college benefits student and athletes is the four years that it allows the students to mature. 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. 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! Not only does it allow you to continue playing the sport you love but it helps prepare you for the real world. 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. A typical full time employee works about 40 hours a week. 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. Yes and no. 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. When I first got on campus, I met my advisors right away and formed a time management routine that worked well for me. Lastly, going into college can be a nerve-wracking time for those who find socializing easy. 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. 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. 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. Every Sunday, I sit down for about 30 minutes and plan out what my week will look like. It is very important to have good time management skills. There are numerous upsides to playing a sport in college. In fact, the majority of former college athletes say that being part of a team helped prepare them for life after college. 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. 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. 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. Well done and good luck in the future! Your teammates experience everything that comes along with the sport right next to you. One of the greatest benefits of the student-athlete choosing a Christian college or university is that the normal reduced size of the student body brings more opportunity for leadership skills to be developed. The bonds you form with your teammates are really something special and are by far one of the biggest takeaways from collegiate sports. This is what truly highlights the benefits of being a student-athlete in college. 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. In order to manage this schedule, it is important to have strong time management skills. They chose APU and we were extremely happy they did because we wanted them to have a positive, all-around college experience.”. 4. 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. The benefits of being a student athlete are many, including having the focus of school, different life experiences, and time to develop self-discipline. The athlete develops physical stamina to be able to be physically prepared for competition. 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! 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. Playing sports in college prepares you for life in a way nothing else can. Your email address will not be published. Here are some thought-provoking questions you should ask before committing: At every level, the most successful athletes are also the healthiest and most well-rounded individuals. It was in that season that I learned how to push myself, and I came back the next season finishing in the top 10. 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. 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. 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”. The bonds you form with your teammates are really something special and are by far one of the biggest takeaways from collegiate sports. 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 Hi Libby! When an athlete goes to college, it provides an opportunity to choose an alternate career path. The panel upheld a lower court ruling barring the NCAA from capping education-related compensation and benefits for student … 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. Being a student athlete almost forces you to be social from the beginning and helps to establish life-long friendships and relationships. Time Management It is a blessing to somewhat look decent to class if you’re a student athlete. Being a student athlete is an enormous commitment. 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. 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. Athletes also have those four years to grow in their sport. 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. Students-athletes often feel pressure to perform well on the field, and the added stress can detract from their academic or social success. Your email address will not be published. Check out the Azusa Pacific athletics website and see what it takes to become a Cougar. Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. These days include classes, study, strength training, conditioning, practice, travel and games and meets. The fourth benefit is time management skills. 5 Benefits of graduating from college as a student athlete – Part 1. 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. 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. We all condition in the same gym, we go out and support each other and we hang out in our down time. 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. 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. Win or lose, you handle it with dignity, grace, and humility.” These are lessons last a lifetime, while wins and losses fade quickly. However, there is more to the college experience than simply competing in the nicest arena. “Both my daughters started out at D1 and hated the experience. We all know, it is a tough sport with lots of downs and a few ups! 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. You're in good company. In order to manage this schedule, it is important to have strong time management skills. Being a college athlete is a full time job. Benefits Of College Athlete; Benefits Of College Athlete. It can be easy to focus on a school’s athletic facilities or prestige when debating where to enroll as a student-athlete. These days include classes, study, strength training, conditioning, practice, travel and games and meets. 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. The family you develop through college athletics extends far beyond your immediate team as well. For parents of hardworking kids who show promise in academics and athletics, knowing how to help them balance the two can be difficult. Is the coach going to be there all four years? In order to manage this schedule, it is important to have strong time management skills. My name is Libby McCusker, and I am one of the senior captains of the varsity Alpine ski team here at Clarkson and an. This is just one ben. Academic Services NCAA schools help student-athletes succeed in the classroom by providing state- of-the-art technology, tutoring and access to academic advisors. Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. Some of my strongest friendships at school are those with my teammates, likely because we ride the emotional rollercoaster that is our sport, together. 5 Benefits of graduating from college as a student athlete – Part 2. 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. 1. Being a High School athlete helps to prepare you to achieve the proper time management skills needed at the collegiate level. According to the NCAA some of these benefits are scholarships, grants, insurance, the prospect of a professional career in sports plus more. Scholarships and Grants. 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. 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. Does the school have the major your child wants? One of the best coaches I ever had once told me, “If you aren’t falling, you aren’t trying.” This is so true. To wrap up this post, deciding to compete in a sport at the collegiate level was one of the best decisions I made. 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. Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. You wrote an excellent article. 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. The wellness benefits for the student athlete are that emotional and physical health are developed and maintained. “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. Along with maturing, college helps the students meet new people and develop vital business connections. Your teammates experience everything that comes along with the sport right next to you. But while some of these levels require certain skill and commitment, all produce similar benefits for the student participating. 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. 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!. But this feeling of being uncomfortable was not foreign to me because it was something I experienced in my sport everyday. So, if you're considering joining a sport, or even if you're already involved, read on. 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. Op-ed: The pandemic provides the opportunity and challenge to legalize the college athlete who no longer is, by definition, a student. You will have two places to call home. Once you get into college, you can schedule an appointment with an athlete-focused academic advisor with whom you can share your concerns. So why do they do it? Required fields are marked *, Hi everyone! Being a college athlete will force you to be healthier. More than 90% of former student-athletes surveyed 10 years after finishing their eligibility reported they were satisfied with their overall college experience. As a student-athlete, Gray spent most of his offseasons competing in summer leagues rather than pursuing internships or working a job. With the cost of a college education soaring across the country, getting a scholarship is considered a big boon for high school students from low income to middle class families. 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. 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. “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.” What a great article. 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. Accepted Students Day — Which One Should You Choose? Our days often begin before the sun rises and end at sometimes 10 or 11 at night. Remember, the college experience is multi-faceted. 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! The first benefit is probably the best. Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable Being an elite athlete in college is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can experience in life. 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. Being a student-athlete has greater benefits than skipping college to solely play sports. Hope this helps answer your question! 1289 Words 6 Pages. 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. Is skiing and hockey one of the more popular sports at Clarkson because of more chilly climate? Learn about NCSA Next College Student Athlete , including insurance benefits, retirement benefits, and vacation policy. 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. Student-athletes are some of the busiest people on college campuses. Some of my best friends at school are not on the hill with me every weekend. ► Pell Grant eligibility: Receiving an athletic scholarship doesn't impact an athlete's ability to qualify for the federal grants, which are based on financial need. 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. 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. As an athlete, you will be given an academic advisor for both your sport and your given major. Not only are they looked up to by their peers, but also by people in the community, typically smaller children, as well. Is the coach recruiting players similar to your child? My coach was right: we are most successful when pushed to the point of being uncomfortable — it all really does come full circle! Along with students in student government and other campus organizations, athletes are seen as some of the most influential students on campus. Since sports is not just all about winning, the setbacks and shortcomings that students encounter can also help them learn how to deal with stressand cope with wins and losses. Being a college athlete also … Hi everyone! Succeeding as a College Athlete: The Importance of Finding a Coach-Mentor, How to Balance Sports and Studies as a Student-Athlete. 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. 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. Being a college athlete has a ton of benefits. It can be easy to focus on a school’s athletic facilities or prestige when debating where to enroll as a student-athlete. Believe it or not, student-athletes are held to much higher standards and expectations than are normal students. “We also believe we need to teach our student-athletes to never quit no matter what. “Be realistic in your child’s abilities,” Hanson advised. 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. 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. 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. Hoping to learn more about the athletic programs at APU? Azusa Pacific University focuses on a holistic educational and character-building experience, which helps student-athletes succeed in their sport—and in life. The benefits of playing sports in college stretch far … 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. The Best Ski & Snowboard Spots Around (Us). Kimberley and Don Widmer, parents of two sons who play football at APU, agree. Join Free Forever. Some of my strongest friendships at school are those with my teammates, likely because we ride the emotional rollercoaster that is our sport, together. 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. Here are eight: Higher graduation rates Working out, training, and practicing are part of your life as an athlete, which … Hockey is popular because we have Division I hockey and our teams are amazing (our women just won back to back ECAC championships AND were National Champions last year), so it’s really fun to go watch and support them. If your child weren’t playing sports, would he or she still attend that school. 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. At sometimes 10 or 11 at night emotional and physical energy is used at its optimum for maximum performance games... By continuing to access this site, you consent to their use.For more information, view privacy! Balance the two can be easy to focus on a school ’ s abilities ”... Sometimes 10 or 11 at night the field, and the added can... 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