I know what its like. Searching for the perfect school, with the perfect campus, and the perfect fit. However for people like us, it’s not so easy easy it? We’re athletes. A million more factors go into choosing a school; like the coaches, the players, and the overall team quality.
We have to think about way more than just the basic school factors. We have to pick a school that allows us to succeed on and off the field. You know what we don't need? People telling us that playing for an athletic program that isn't Division 1 is a waste of time. Playing a college sport at any level is an accomplishment in and of itself. I don't care if that's Junior College, or Division 2. We all deserve respect.
I could count for hours the number of times that I heard comments about playing golf at a Division 3 institution. It gets to you. It even makes you question if you're really an athlete at all. Guess what, you are. You're a college athlete regardless of the level you play at. Anyone who thinks any differently is a waste of time for you to talk to anyways. Likely, the kid giving you a hard time is the one who thinks he is going to be the “intramural king” at whatever University he attends.
In reality, only you know all the hours of practice you put in. All the days and nights you spend thinking about what you could do differently. All the time you spend watching game film or swing video. The hours put in with your coaches. It adds up, and when you have someone telling you it's not worth it, let it motivate you.My motivation to play college golf was the love I had for the game, and the people that told me I couldn't.
Any committed athlete knows well that the one thing that inspires him/her is the odds against you. You want to prove that you belong. Prove that you really are the best at what you do. Don't let anyone minimize your achievements. When they try to, keep proving them wrong. If you're playing a collegiate level, you're already working against the odds. Odds are, most high school athletes don't get a chance to play in college, regardless of the sport. Let that motivate you. You're one of the best in the country if you're playing in college. Wear that like a badge and be proud of any school you decide to attend.
The most important piece of advice I can give is that choosing a school shouldn't be about your ego and what's going to look the best to other people. As an athlete, choose the school you love, not the one you see daily on ESPN. Don't be afraid to go against what people say. Do it for you.
Like I said, if you're a college athlete, you're already a very special part of the population. Don't let people minimize what you do. Keep proving everyone wrong, and keep daring to be different. Most importantly, work hard at what ever you do, because you only get one shot to play in college.
