Making the commitment
High school senior athletes decide where to continue their education and athletic careers
Even though they have had to maneuver around a pandemic, many MCHS student athletes have signed intent letters to play sports at the college level next year.
November 22, 2021
As senior year comes to an end, athletes must face the hard decision of where they will be attending school next in the fall. Decisions may be easier for some students, however, seniors cannot escape the fact that college decisions are coming up.
Committing to a college can be a very difficult thing that many high school seniors face, yet not an uncommon thing. It happens every year, but for athletes, the decision might be made a bit earlier in the school year after their season has ended.
“The process was pretty simple actually. I went on a visit earlier in late august and applied about a month ago,” states Kyle Kaempf, a future Missouri Southern State University student and baseball player. “Then I talked to my coach about all the details that came with applying. I called the other schools. I wasn’t going to commit to and let them know what I was going to be doing in the future.”
Some students may find this process simple, but a lot of the athletes’ feelings are built into their decision process.
“Honestly it was a scary decision and in the moment I was so scared I made the wrong choice,” comments Aspen O’Brien, a future Kean University student and volleyball player. “But looking back on it, I am so glad I chose Kean. I love the coach, the girls from the team that I’ve met. I truly can not see myself playing anywhere else.”
Many different aspects of the college or university can affect the athletes’ decisions to go there.
“I loved the campus environment and the basketball program. I want to double major in secondary education and sports management, which they offered. As for the athletic side of things, head coach Wilde and assistant coach Mulcrone are two great people who truly love and know what they are doing,” says Kayden Shatzer, a future Eureka College student and basketball player.
Each individual student has their own needs and wants. Finding that college that fits all the specific needs and wants is what is most important in decision making, since every decision will help determine the students future in athletics and academics.
