As a proud alumnus of Castleton University, formerly Castleton State College, I’ve had the privilege to learn, compete and work alongside just about every collegiate platform available to today’s student-athletes.
Studying sports medicine at a small Division 3 school allowed me to experience excellent academia through low teacher-to-student ratios all while playing basketball in a competitive athletic conference. My horizons were set, and on it, the prospective of playing professional sports was not one of them. Self-reflection and proper management of personal expectations is crucial to taking full advantage of your collegiate opportunities as an athlete and a student.
Although many of you are now just beginning your athletic recruiting process, others are in the middle of an overwhelming and sometimes disheartening journey. With the exception of a very small, highly gifted set of athletes bound for Division 1 athletics, the majority of you will need to decide which level of athletic commitment you would like to pursue and how it ultimately will affect your personal and professional opportunities.
NCAA Division 1: This is the highest level of college athletics and, thus, the most competitive. D-1 schools typically have large budgets and expensive facilities, and student-athletes are expected to train and travel extensively. In these athletic departments, the school essentially dictates when you sleep, learn, train, practice and eat. For some, that is the ultimate dream; for others, the ultimate nightmare. Performing at a high level, maintaining orthopedic health and finding time to excel in the classroom are requirements you are expected to accomplish. Free time, family time and alone time are not moments of your life that are of top priority to the university that you represent. Winning, however, is.