The Questions Every College Athlete Asks in the Fall (But Doesn’t Say Out Loud)

Every fall, I hear the same concerns from athletes. The questions may sound different, and the details have changed as college athletics undergoes significant upheaval, but they usually fit into a few main areas:

• Playing Time and Role
  What if I don’t play as much as I hoped? What if the coach doesn’t like me? What if someone else takes my spot? What if my scholarship is taken away?

• Eligibility and Academics
  What if my grades slip? What if I’m not eligible this season? What if my class schedule doesn’t work with practice? What if I have a Title IX complaint?

• Injuries and Health
  What if I get hurt and lose my role? What if my old injury comes back? What if I can’t play at full strength? What does this mean for my NIL agreements?

• Team Dynamics
  What if I don’t fit in? What if I don’t get along with my coach? What if teammates don’t respect me?

• Pressure and Expectations
  What if I can’t perform at this level? What if I disappoint people? What if I can’t handle the stress?

• Scholarships and Finances
  What if I lose my scholarship? What if I can’t afford school if I get cut?

• Future Opportunities
  What if I don’t get noticed? What if this affects my chance to go pro?

Does any of this resonate with you? These are normal questions. Athletes at every level wrestle with them, especially freshmen and transfers. If you or your family want to talk through your situation, I’m here to help.

This is a challenging time of year. And the college sports world is changing fast, as rules, expectations and opportunities change. That’s why it helps to talk through your situation with someone who follows these changes every day. I can help you sort out where you stand, what choices you have, and what steps make sense for you.