For those of you who missed last week’s show, you might want to go to www.RantRadioNetwork.com to check it out.
My guest last week, VJ Stanley, sent me a link to information given by the NCAA regarding the number, amount, and distribution of athletic scholarships. This information is as of September of 2011.
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/pdfs/2011/2011+probability+of+going+pro
I kidded VJ about the credibility of the information since softball wasn’t included. ┬áBut please note, this information if directly from the NCAA. ┬áI think it’s great if your son or daughter should be able to get an athletic scholarship and an opportunity to play in college. ┬áBut it is not all glamor and glitz. ┬áThere are many factors to consider. ┬áTime away from home and family; limited social life (if any); taxation on your body due to many hours without sleep to get caught up on homework, etc. ┬áHere are a few more links to articles in a New York Times series published back in 2008.
┬áIt’s Not An Adventure, It’s a Job!
Expectations Lose to Reality of Sports Scholarships
Recruits Clamor for More From Coaches with Less
Again, I think it’s fantastic if you can gain an athletic scholarship. ┬áBut before you go out and start dragging your kid around to several different instructional coaches, sign up for a travel or club team, and buy that big box of cigars, you might want to sit down and look at the real price of getting that scholarship. ┬áI’ve known players who have received scholarships both full ride and partial. ┬áMany love the experience. ┬áBut there are many also who choose to give up their scholarship because the demands placed on them were to great to bear.
Keep those grades up.
Coach Mike