Incoming Junior August. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Junior Athlete’s Guide
As an incoming junior, you are about to embark on one of the most important years of your high school career. This is the time where you need to start seriously considering your future plans, especially if you have aspirations of playing sports at the collegiate level. The month of August is a crucial part of the recruiting process, and it is important that you use this time wisely. In this blog post, we will provide you with a task list for the month of August so that you make the most of your summer break while also setting yourself up for success as a high school student-athlete.
Attending Showcase and Recruiting Events:
Make sure you have attended all the showcase and recruiting events you wanted to attend this summer. As an incoming junior, this is a vital summer for you and the recruiting process. You only get one chance as a junior, so take advantage of it! Many college coaches are more focused on recruiting juniors, so make sure that you have done your research and attended the events that will give you the most exposure. This may mean traveling outside of your state or region, so plan ahead and make those necessary arrangements.
Save Money for the Future:
Save any money you made from working this summer so it can be put to good use down the road. As a high school student-athlete, you will soon realize that the cost of playing sports in college can add up quickly. From travel expenses to uniforms, being a college athlete can be expensive. Putting money aside now will help you be better prepared to cover these costs when the time comes. You may need to start thinking about college applications fees and test preparation costs as well.
Take Time to Rest:
As always, do not get burned out. It’s still summer, so be sure to take some time off to rest, reset, and recharge before the new school year starts. This includes giving your body some time to recover from any intense workouts or showcases you may have attended. Stick to a good sleep routine and make sure you stay hydrated and nourished. Taking breaks and practicing good self-care can help you avoid injury or burnout when the season starts back up.
Spend Time with Friends and Family:
Spend time with family and friends. Enjoy that summer vacation. It’s okay to step away from your sport to rest towards the end of summer. Next year will be the last year living in your own house for many of you, so take advantage of this time. No regrets, ever! Having a strong support system can help you balance your academic and athletic goals, and spending time with loved ones can help you cultivate these relationships.
Plan Ahead for Academics:
Lastly, make sure you start the school year on a good note by planning ahead for academics. Talk with your guidance counselor or coaches about balancing your sport and school schedules. Make sure that you are taking the right courses to meet your academic goals, and practice good time management skills so you can keep up with coursework while still participating in athletics. Remember, your grades matter just as much as your athletic abilities when it comes to college recruiting.
Conclusion:
As you can see, August can be a busy and stressful month for high school student-athletes, but by following this task list, you can set yourself up for success and maximize your summer break. Remember to take advantage of recruiting opportunities, save money, rest and recharge, spend time with loved ones, and plan ahead for academics. As a high school student-athlete, your future is bright, and this August can be a turning point in your pathway to success. Good luck this academic year!