Is it about bragging?

[Lenski]

Academic fit is most important.

 

[JAD]

True, but for sake of argument, if your daughter had the choice between being the #1 pitcher at Louisiana-LaFayette, where she might pitch in the WCWS, vs. a place like Georgetown, where you might never have a winning record, which would she take? Is it a bad choice to play softball at Mercer rather than attend UGA as merely a student? Is there enough education in the experience of varsity college softball that would make it wise to attend a school of lesser academic renown in order to get that experience?

Opinions will differ on this, but for me personally, I would prefer my DD have a degree from a well respected university over an appearance in the WCWS....my DD chose the school that she did because of the education, atmosphere, coaches, roster size, facilities, and anticipated out of pocket expenses. I do not think her school has ever made an appearance in the WCWS, so if they make it while she is there it will be that much more special.

 

[riseball]

Academic fit is most important.

With some estimates as high as 80% for the number of students changing their majors once they finally get into college, what exactly does finding the right academic fit really mean for a kid that is 16 or 17 years old?

 

[JAD]

A player needs to get a college degree they can support themselves with, not an degree in underwater basket weaving from their dream school to play softball at.

This brings up an important point. When your DD is going through the recruiting process make sure she asks the coaches what academic majors are acceptable for softball players. I also highly recommend talking with an academic adviser while you are on campus. Getting a degree is great, but make sure the coaches are not steering their players into degree programs that offer few job prospects after the player graduates.

 

[riseball]

This brings up an important point. When your DD is going through the recruiting process make sure she asks the coaches what academic majors are acceptable for softball players. I also highly recommend talking with an academic adviser while you are on campus. Getting a degree is great, but make sure the coaches are not steering their players into degree programs that offer few job prospects after the player graduates.

Having the right degree is important. But by the time that they graduate hopefully they have picked up and refined some actual real life skills. Which is where playing a sport can make a big difference as those skills typically transcend athletics. I have interviewed many college graduates and once we are done talking about coursework and grades they often struggle with questions about real life skills and experience. Which is why I tend to favor hiring athletes and veterans.

 

[JAD]

Having the right degree is important. But by the time that they graduate hopefully they have picked up and refined some actual real life skills. Which is where playing a sport can make a big difference as those skills typically transcend athletics. I have interviewed many college graduates and once we are done talking about coursework and grades they often struggle with questions about real life skills and experience. Which is why I tend to favor hiring athletes and veterans.

Student athlete must have a great work ethic and fortitude, highly desirable traits for recruiters, but a degree in Underwater Basket Weaving is still going to be a tough sell in the job market....

 

[riseball]

Student athlete must have a great work ethic and fortitude, highly desirable traits for recruiters, but a degree in Underwater Basket Weaving is still going to be a tough sell in the job market....

Absolutely. But if the education is equal, who gets the job, the student-athlete or the part-time barista?

 

[BobInMadison]

Having the right degree is important. But by the time that they graduate hopefully they have picked up and refined some actual real life skills. Which is where playing a sport can make a big difference as those skills typically transcend athletics. I have interviewed many college graduates and once we are done talking about coursework and grades they often struggle with questions about real life skills and experience. Which is why I tend to favor hiring athletes and veterans.

I spent a month earlier this year working at a recruiting agency. The president of the company told me that sports in college is a huge plus for hiring.

Sports in college can help other ways as well. Many years ago I worked for a web development company run by a Penn State grad. One of the company's clients was Joe Paterno. At one point the company hired a recent Penn State grad who had been on the football team. I would guess if JoePa gave the guy a good recommendation, it meant something.

 

[Lenski]

With some estimates as high as 80% for the number of students changing their majors once they finally get into college, what exactly does finding the right academic fit really mean for a kid that is 16 or 17 years old?

Academic aspirations and academic fit play a major part in the decision making IMO. Geography, college size, academic focus and specific college likes and dislikes should weigh heavily in a decision that is likely to have a significant impact on their life. Softball is not their future......

 

[SoCal_Dad]

Absolutely. But if the education is equal, who gets the job, the student-athlete or the part-time barista?

That's a big if... Answer depends on the person doing the hiring - many don't appreciate the rigors of being a student-athlete and some disdain ex-jocks. YMMV