Hi, does anyone know how feasible it is to play college baseball after serving in the military? Will my age be a disadvantage? How do colleges handle prospective student-athletes who have previously served in the military?
It's definitely possible to play college sports, including baseball, after military service. In fact, many colleges appreciate the maturity, leadership, and discipline instilled by service in the armed forces. As for age, while you might be older than your teammates, it shouldn't be a significant hindrance. There are plenty of student-athletes who start their college careers later due to various reasons, military service being one of those.
The NCAA, which governs college athletics, has policies in place for service members. The NCAA allows service members to participate in college athletics with the service-related interruptions not counting against their "eligibility clock." To be more specific, student-athletes typically have five years to complete four seasons in a sport, but any time spent serving active duty in the armed forces, on official religious missions, or with recognized foreign aid services (like the Peace Corps) is excluded from that calculation.
As for college practices, they can vary. Some colleges have strong support networks for student veterans which can assist with issues such as finding housing, financial aid, counseling, and even helping navigate the NCAA regulations regarding eligibility.
Keep in mind that balancing academic, athletic, and perhaps family obligations can be challenging, but with good time management and using the resources available to you, it can be done. Overall, your experiences from military service could provide you with a unique perspective and resilience that can aid you in college baseball and beyond.
Remember that it's also important to start reaching out to college coaches at your schools of interest. They can provide guidance on how best to prepare yourself for college-level baseball and how to fit into their team structure.
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