Playing in the US
U.S. Athletic Scholarships
This Section will provide information on the precautionary
measures one should take when considering an
Athletic Scholarship from a US institution
The inclusion of athletic scholarships in the Canadian educational system has been long debated and historically opposed by virtually every Canadian institution. As the Canadian regulations gradually change, and the American recruitment of female athletes intensifies, secondary school students need to be certain that they make a good decision. For many border cities, such as Windsor, the familiarity with athletic scholarships is high due to the pervasiveness of athletic scholarships in the United States. However, the University of Windsor, not unlike other border-city Universities, is opposed to athletic scholarships. Lastly, many intercollegiate associations also deplore the inclusion of athletic scholarships.
There are many factors that must be considered in the decision to seek out, obtain, and accept an athletic scholarship. At the core, an individual must decide what their ultimate goal is and how best to achieve it. Are they a student or an athlete. Maintaining the balance is a difficult and challenging task. The pursuit of athletics can propel an individual to seek higher education at notable educational institutions, or it can remain the sole focus and the result is that the athlete is simply guised as a student. Therefore, an individual must ask themselves "Why am I interested in an athletic scholarship?' Once this is established, a second question arises, "What price academically am I willing to pay to pursue athletics?" The misconception is that with athletic scholarships your education is FREE. Wholly Untrue. Always remember, when someone else is paying your way, they expect something in return. In the case of athletic scholarships, your commitment to your team or sport is mandatory - even (and often) if it means missing classes, exams, or dropping courses. In addition, the cost of being an athlete is hefty. Not only will it cost you academically if you don't have proper study habits, determination, a respect for your education, and the willpower to endure, it will also cost you in other ways. If you go south of the border there will be travel costs, long-distance phone-bills, moving expenses, as well as other costs that are only intensified by the poor currency exchange rate for the Canadian dollar.
10 Questions to ask yourself before considering an athletic scholarship:
1. What is your priority?
2. How good of a student are you?
3. How good of an athlete are you?
4. If you are going for the coach, how will you feel if the coach leaves?
5. What happens if you get injured?
6. How much freedom do you have for course selection?
7. What is the extent of the travel required to compete?
8. Do you plan to return to Canada for employment?
9. How important are your friends and family?
10. Are you willing to give the necessary commitment & dedication required
accomplish the goals that are set for you by the coach in this institution?
What is your priority?
Is it academic or is it athletic? If it is academic, be certain that you select an institution that will provide you with the academic preparation that you wish to pursue. If you wish to be a professional athlete - and this is very limited for women at this point in sport history - unless you are looking at a scholarship in golf or tennis, it is highly unlikely that a scholarship in basketball, volleyball, badminton, field hockey, etc., will be of any value to you for a professional career. If you are seeking a position on an Olympic team it would be appropriate to consider an athletic scholarship, but shouldn't be the sole reason to consider accepting it.
How good of a student are you?
Can you afford the athletic demands that will placed upon you and still maintain the academic standing that you wish? Think of the travel time, think of practice time, and think of your level of commitment to your education.
How good an athlete are you?
Remember, there are many other females being recruited from high schools, both in Canada and the United States, so you must have a realistic assessment of whether or not your skills and abilities will earn you a spot on the team. Next, if you do make the team, will you play or will or will you sit on the bench. Again, which is more important to you? If you are there to play and compete, but are not given an opportunity, are you then defeating the purpose for being there?
If you are going for the coach, how will you feel if the coach leaves?
Coaches tend to be transient in these types of athletic environments, so be sure that you will be happy with the program if the coach does leave. You will be there for upwards of four years, can you say the same for the coach?
What happens if you get injured?
What if? But an important question. Will your scholarship be renewed? And will it be continued until you graduate? Things to consider..., having a back-up plan is never a bad idea.
How much freedom do you have for course selection?
Make sure that allotted practice times do not conflict with your courses you are required to take as a part of your program. You may be setting yourself up to fail if you don't check into this properly. Again..., return to question # 1 and ask yourself what your highest priority is.
What is the extent of the travel required to compete?
Many of the students who graduate from American Universities take an extra year to graduate because of the excess travel time required to compete. Often athletes miss too many classes, exams, and assignment deadlines and must drop courses - which only lengthens their term to graduate. As a precaution, you may want to inquire about the payment of this extra year if it is needed, since out-of-state fees are very high (US currency) and it is difficult to transfer for your final year of education.
Do you plan to return to Canada for employment?
Many students who graduate with a degree from an American University and return for employment find it difficult and frustrating if they are told that their degree is not an acceptable degree in Canada. With the advent of NAFTA and the cultural merging of North America, this concern has declined in recent years. But something to keep in the back of your mind.
How important are your friends and family?
Are you the type to get homesick? Leaving home can be exciting and fun, but it can also be challenging, lonely, and alienating if you are unhappy with the progress of your academic or athletic endeavors. The further you move away from home, the harder it gets to leave.
Are you willing to give the necessary commitment & dedication required to accomplish the goals that are set for you by the coach of this institution?
Make a decision and stick to it. Commitment is everything. Just make sure that you are committed to what is best for you and your future. Think long-term, not short-term.