I received this in an email today and thought it had good information in it, so I'm sharing. I had to cut and paste as I didn't know how else to share. The article wasn't online, so I couldn't link it.
The D1 or Bust Mentality
By: Rex Grayner
"If you ask today’s high school athlete where s/he wants to go to college, a Who’s Who of major Division I universities might just be among their list of favorites.
And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Let’s face it, we are inundated with messages and images of “big time” colleges, so it’s only logical that our children would be enamored with the country’s household-name schools.
But if we’re talking about being awarded the chance to play sports for one of these schools, then the conversation shifts a bit.
See, if my son winds up having the academic credentials to attend a school like Notre Dame, for example, then he will apply and we will await the decision. And no matter how bad he wants the decision to be a favorable one, he still must be awarded the opportunity to attend. But at least we can measure ahead of time whether the goal is a realistic one. GPA and SAT/ACT scores provide us a fairly clear measuring stick of an applicant’s chances of gaining admission into a school.
With athletics – and specifically when it comes to the recruitment process – it’s not as measurable. Parents might hope their child is recruited by elite schools, however, do they truly understand how elite an athlete must be – in the eyes of the decision-makers – to be awarded a Division I roster spot?
For many aspiring young men and women – from a college athletics standpoint – their list of “dream schools” is not a realistic list of options.
In fact, in many cases a student-athlete’s preliminary college list is completely disconnected from their true athletic/academic capabilities. Often times, this is a product of what they see on tv, in the media, on their phones, etc. Other times, parents, relatives and/or friends are planting these seeds.
As a parent, I aspire to be like most of you. I’m going to support my children 100%. I’m going to encourage them to dream big. I’m going to be at every game, every band concert, every play, every spelling bee. They’re going to know I care and that I’m their biggest fan.
But I’m also going to teach them about creating goals that are S.M.A.R.T. [Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-Sensitive.]
And the fact is, playing Division I sports simply won’t be an option for MOST kids, no matter how gifted we believe our children to be.
How do we know this? Let’s start with the probability of playing at the Division I level. According to the NCAA, here are my child’s chances of going from high school athlete to Division I player:
Baseball: 2.1%
Men’s Basketball: 1.0%
Football: 2.6%
Men’s Soccer: 1.3%
Women’s Basketball: 1.2%
Women’s Soccer: 2.4%
Volleyball: 1.2%
Softball: 1.7%
And this is only a partial list. But you get the picture. Translation: if your child is one of the top players in your entire state, then s/he has a chance to be courted by Division I programs. If not, then Division I is not likely an attainable goal.
Look, everyone dreams about the “big time,” and you should aim high until it’s clear the opportunity is out of reach. But when less than 2% of America’s varsity athletes will put on a Division I uniform next year, this is a loud wake-up call!
It’s time for us as parents to focus on what’s really best for our children; not on what sounds or looks the best to others.
Parents, here’s my simple message today: There’s a strong chance your child is not a Division I prospect. Embrace it. Accept the possibility that the major Division I programs will ultimately pass on your child. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fantastic college out there for them.
I’m not the only person saying this either. Listen to what these Division I college coaches have to say:
Lembo
Pete Lembo, University of Maryland
“Parents must try to keep their expectations realistic for their children. Very few high school players have the physical tools and skill set to play at the highest level. However, there is a place for every high school player to fit in on the college level if they have the grades, standardized test scores and passion for the game.”
O'Brien
Dan O'Brien, Santa Clara University
“High school players and their parents can get ‘caught up’ in lunch time and cocktail party talk of ‘where are you going’ rather than finding the best fit for the athlete. (Athletes need to) choose a place that really wants you, and where you can become an All-Conference and All-American player. You need to find a fit, not a place that looks and sounds good when telling people where you're going.”
Green
Brian Green, New Mexico State
“When making your college list, prioritize the top 5-6 things that are truly important to you and your family when coming out of a school. Not on the front end, but try to forecast what school will most likely benefit your future versus simply evaluating the short-term reasons to attend.”
Here are 3 things many kids believe about D1 that simply are NOT true:
I am a failure if I don’t play Division I. Kids, please don’t believe this for a second. It’s an honor to play at the college level – any college level. Fewer than 7 out of 100 high school athletes get to play in college. If the perfect fit school is a Division II, III or NAIA program, then consider yourself in elite company. Because 93% of the athletes your age will never realize this dream.
A Division I scholarship is guaranteed for four years. If you receive a sports scholarship, don't automatically assume it's going to be for four years. Athletic scholarships must be renewed each year and that's at the coach's discretion. The pressure to maintain athletic scholarships can distract stressed students from what should be their main goal—earning a college degree.
I must specialize in ONE sport in order to secure a Division I scholarship. Nothing could be further from the truth. And any high school or club coach that insists you must play one sport year-round either doesn’t understand the process or cares little about your future – or both.
Want proof? Take a look at Ohio State’s Urban Meyer’s recruiting philosophy. Who does he value more – the multi-sport athlete or the “specialist?”
Bottom line: Go have fun, kids. Play as many sports as you want because this is likely the only time in your life you’ll be able to do it. It’s just no longer feasible to play more than one sport in college, plus you have your whole life to focus on a single career/profession. For now, have a blast! College coaches will see your passion… and they’ll reward you for it with college offers."
The D1 or Bust Mentality
By: Rex Grayner
"If you ask today’s high school athlete where s/he wants to go to college, a Who’s Who of major Division I universities might just be among their list of favorites.
And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Let’s face it, we are inundated with messages and images of “big time” colleges, so it’s only logical that our children would be enamored with the country’s household-name schools.
But if we’re talking about being awarded the chance to play sports for one of these schools, then the conversation shifts a bit.
See, if my son winds up having the academic credentials to attend a school like Notre Dame, for example, then he will apply and we will await the decision. And no matter how bad he wants the decision to be a favorable one, he still must be awarded the opportunity to attend. But at least we can measure ahead of time whether the goal is a realistic one. GPA and SAT/ACT scores provide us a fairly clear measuring stick of an applicant’s chances of gaining admission into a school.
With athletics – and specifically when it comes to the recruitment process – it’s not as measurable. Parents might hope their child is recruited by elite schools, however, do they truly understand how elite an athlete must be – in the eyes of the decision-makers – to be awarded a Division I roster spot?
For many aspiring young men and women – from a college athletics standpoint – their list of “dream schools” is not a realistic list of options.
In fact, in many cases a student-athlete’s preliminary college list is completely disconnected from their true athletic/academic capabilities. Often times, this is a product of what they see on tv, in the media, on their phones, etc. Other times, parents, relatives and/or friends are planting these seeds.
As a parent, I aspire to be like most of you. I’m going to support my children 100%. I’m going to encourage them to dream big. I’m going to be at every game, every band concert, every play, every spelling bee. They’re going to know I care and that I’m their biggest fan.
But I’m also going to teach them about creating goals that are S.M.A.R.T. [Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-Sensitive.]
And the fact is, playing Division I sports simply won’t be an option for MOST kids, no matter how gifted we believe our children to be.
How do we know this? Let’s start with the probability of playing at the Division I level. According to the NCAA, here are my child’s chances of going from high school athlete to Division I player:
Baseball: 2.1%
Men’s Basketball: 1.0%
Football: 2.6%
Men’s Soccer: 1.3%
Women’s Basketball: 1.2%
Women’s Soccer: 2.4%
Volleyball: 1.2%
Softball: 1.7%
And this is only a partial list. But you get the picture. Translation: if your child is one of the top players in your entire state, then s/he has a chance to be courted by Division I programs. If not, then Division I is not likely an attainable goal.
Look, everyone dreams about the “big time,” and you should aim high until it’s clear the opportunity is out of reach. But when less than 2% of America’s varsity athletes will put on a Division I uniform next year, this is a loud wake-up call!
It’s time for us as parents to focus on what’s really best for our children; not on what sounds or looks the best to others.
Parents, here’s my simple message today: There’s a strong chance your child is not a Division I prospect. Embrace it. Accept the possibility that the major Division I programs will ultimately pass on your child. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fantastic college out there for them.
I’m not the only person saying this either. Listen to what these Division I college coaches have to say:
Lembo
Pete Lembo, University of Maryland
“Parents must try to keep their expectations realistic for their children. Very few high school players have the physical tools and skill set to play at the highest level. However, there is a place for every high school player to fit in on the college level if they have the grades, standardized test scores and passion for the game.”
O'Brien
Dan O'Brien, Santa Clara University
“High school players and their parents can get ‘caught up’ in lunch time and cocktail party talk of ‘where are you going’ rather than finding the best fit for the athlete. (Athletes need to) choose a place that really wants you, and where you can become an All-Conference and All-American player. You need to find a fit, not a place that looks and sounds good when telling people where you're going.”
Green
Brian Green, New Mexico State
“When making your college list, prioritize the top 5-6 things that are truly important to you and your family when coming out of a school. Not on the front end, but try to forecast what school will most likely benefit your future versus simply evaluating the short-term reasons to attend.”
Here are 3 things many kids believe about D1 that simply are NOT true:
I am a failure if I don’t play Division I. Kids, please don’t believe this for a second. It’s an honor to play at the college level – any college level. Fewer than 7 out of 100 high school athletes get to play in college. If the perfect fit school is a Division II, III or NAIA program, then consider yourself in elite company. Because 93% of the athletes your age will never realize this dream.
A Division I scholarship is guaranteed for four years. If you receive a sports scholarship, don't automatically assume it's going to be for four years. Athletic scholarships must be renewed each year and that's at the coach's discretion. The pressure to maintain athletic scholarships can distract stressed students from what should be their main goal—earning a college degree.
I must specialize in ONE sport in order to secure a Division I scholarship. Nothing could be further from the truth. And any high school or club coach that insists you must play one sport year-round either doesn’t understand the process or cares little about your future – or both.
Want proof? Take a look at Ohio State’s Urban Meyer’s recruiting philosophy. Who does he value more – the multi-sport athlete or the “specialist?”
Bottom line: Go have fun, kids. Play as many sports as you want because this is likely the only time in your life you’ll be able to do it. It’s just no longer feasible to play more than one sport in college, plus you have your whole life to focus on a single career/profession. For now, have a blast! College coaches will see your passion… and they’ll reward you for it with college offers."
