Intercollegiate athletics have long been an area of pride and success for higher education institutions across the country, but an athletics department is only as strong as the student-athletes who make up their teams. College athletes are an essential part of the foundation of many campus communities. They’re hardworking leaders who showcase what determination can do, and if you’re looking to be one of these students, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find all the advice you could possibly need about pursuing sports in college, from working on your skills in high school to getting recruited during college admission to balancing an athlete’s lifestyle on campus. Start exploring all the best advice you need to help you reach your athletic goals now!
Deciding to play and choosing a sport
- 5 Questions to Answer Before Becoming a College Athlete: You have a lot of options as a student-athlete, so how do you narrow them down? Here are five questions to ask yourself as you start your college search.
- College Sports: Which Level of Play Is the Right Choice for You?: There are three levels of athletics you could play in college, but which one is best for your lifestyle? Read on to learn more and make a decision.
- 3 Awesome Benefits of Playing Club Sports in College: If you don't want to do varsity sports in college, that doesn't mean you can't still play competitively. Get involved and have fun with club sports!
Preparing for the college search and athletic recruitment
- An Insider Student Look at College Athletic Recruitment: The college athletic recruitment process is competitive for student-athletes. If you want to play sports in college, here's an inside look at how it works.
- What You Need to Know About Athletic Recruitment: If you want to get recruited to play sports in college, you definitely need to start early. Here's everything you need to know about athletic recruitment.
- Why You Shouldn't Expect a Full Ride for College Sports: Most college athletes don't receive huge athletic scholarships because full rides are the exception, not the rule. Here's why you shouldn't rely on them.
- 4 Focused College Search Tips for Student-Athletes: The college search is a little different for student-athletes, so if you're thinking of playing sports in college, here's what you need to do and know.
- Great Reasons for Student-Athletes to Consider NAIA Colleges: Navigating the college search can be especially challenging for student-athletes. Learn why NAIA colleges might be a better fit for you than NCAA schools.
- Great Tips for Student-Athletes Going on Official College Visits: If you’re chosen to attend an official college visit as an athlete, you need to prepare so you and the coach get as much out of it as possible. Here’s how!
- Great Scholarship Tips for the Future College Athlete: A full ride isn't in the cards for every student-athlete, so it's important to search and apply for outside scholarships. Get started with this advice!
Balancing athletics and academics
- Balancing Classwork and Sports as a High School Student: Balancing school and sports takes a lot of time management and planning ahead. Check out these tips to help you get organized as a high school athlete.
- How to Succeed in 3 Areas of Life as a Student-Athlete: Being a student-athlete is a major commitment. Here's some advice from a peer on excelling in three major areas of every collegiate athlete’s life.
- Top 7 Back-to-School Tips for College Athletes: Managing your life as a student-athlete takes a lot of work, but it is possible! Start your semester with this to-do list to have the most productive year yet.
- 3 Valuable Time Management Strategies for Student–Athletes: Student-athletes have busy schedules, but time management doesn’t have to be difficult. Try these three techniques to stay on track with school and sports.
- Important Tips for Student-Athletes With Learning Disabilities: If you're a college-bound athlete with a "hidden" disability, there are accommodations and support available on and off the field. Here's what to know.
Staying healthy and rested
- 4 Health and Performance Tips for Student-Athletes: Finding the balance between being a good student and budding athlete can be tricky in high school or college. Here are four great habits to get into ASAP.
- Good Health and Nutrition Tips for College Student-Athletes: Eating the right foods at the right time is crucial for student-athletes to maintain peak performance. Here's what you need to know about what you eat.
- How to Deal With Minor Injuries as a Student-Athlete: Getting injured as a college athlete can be a scary thing, especially if you don't know what to expect. Here's what to do if you suffer a minor injury.
- What Student-Athletes Should Do About Major Injuries: A major injury can be a big setback regarding health, insurance, and scholarships. Here's what student-athletes should know if they get seriously hurt.
- How to Take Care of Your Vision as a Student-Athlete: Looking for ways to improve your game in college? Start with being conscious of vision health and how it affects your capabilities as a student-athlete.
- What You Need to Know About Health Insurance for Student-Athletes: As a college athlete, health insurance is important in case you're injured on the field or court. Here's a guide to help you understand all your options.
Getting inspired by elite athletes
- Tokyo Olympics: Where US Olympians Went to College: In honor of the Summer Olympics, take a look at six amazing athletes on Team USA and the schools that helped shape them to be the best in the world.
- Paris Olympics: Where Members of Team USA Went to College: Many of your favorite US Olympians excelled at their sports in college! Here’s where they set records and trained to become the best in the world.
- A Look at Where Pro Football Players Went to College: Do you know where your favorite athletes went to college? Check out these five big-name football players and their higher education alma maters.
Have you found the school to make your student-athlete dreams a reality? Explore prospective sports teams with our College Search tool or our Lists & Rankings like Colleges and Universities With the Best Teams and Sports Fans.
