So, you didn’t get a scholarship for athletics to go to your favorite school. No Matter what the reason is; whether it be no effort, not good enough at the time skill-wise, maybe you thought you didn’t want to anymore, or any other excuse you give or think of. We are going to start fresh, and I am going to provide you with 5 easy steps to make playing at the next level a reality.
STEP #1:
Get into that college, whichever one you are wanting to go to do what you must do to get in. Find scholarships, grants, student loans, get extra jobs, etc. Make it happen. There can be no excuses. Once you’re in now, you at least have a chance to make the team.
STEP #2:
Go online and find out about open tryouts for your specific sport. Research what the top athletes, who have scholarships in the position you want to play, to get an idea of where your skill set is next to them, be brutally honest with yourself about this.
STEP #3:
Make a list of things that you need to do to get better than those scholarship athletes (no matter how good you already are). Implement a plan of action to make those improvements. If need be, hire a trainer or/and nutritionist. If cost is an issue go online and find information so you can learn what you need to do yourself. NO EXCUSES.
STEP #4:
Perform. Perform when you are called upon to perform. Understand that at open tryouts there could be 500+ people trying out for 2 or 3 spots on the team. How are you going to make yourself stand out and rise to the occasion? What sets you apart from the other 500 people? Know your strength and focus on that. You get one shot to impress the coaches, make them know your name. Be in front of every line and go 100% in every drill. Do not accept NO for an answer.
STEP #5:
Follow up. Even if you get cut, ask the coaches why and what you should improve on so you can make the team in the future. Then actually put in the hard work to do it. Also, a lot of teams have a red-shirt program. You practice with the team but do not play in the games for a certain amount of time, if you are offered that take it. Let them know that you want this more than anything and you will not give up until they say yes.
The Bottom Line Is…
Understand that being part of a college team is a privilege and they only take the best of the best. You must be a harder worker than anyone else, have a better attitude, have better grades, and be a better all-around person for them to take notice of you. There is such a small chance for you to walk on a college team at any level, but it is possible. With following these 5 easy steps, you may very well be on the way to being apart of something life-changing. Go out there and don’t let anyone outwork you! Do your absolute best and leave nothing on the table and understand other people will be there to do the same. You CAN be the next walk-on athlete to the college of your choice, but you got to put in the work.