Hey folks, I'm a military vet and really keen on getting back to college and living that sports life again. Do colleges consider previous military experience when they recruit for their sports teams? Any tips on how I can leverage my military discipline and physical training to play college sports?
While college sports teams typically focus on recruiting high school athletes with conventional sports experience, it doesn't mean that your military experience won't be of value. In fact, your unique background could be a valuable asset. Coaches often look for dedicated, disciplined, and resilient individuals for their teams – qualities that are commonly associated with veterans.
However, your first step should be to get back into playing the specific sport you're interested in, as skill in the sport is still the primary factor for recruitment. If possible, join a local club or league and start training regularly. This will help you get back to the sport-specific shape, and more importantly, it'll generate recent footage and statistics which are crucial during the scouting process.
You can also reach out directly to the coaches of the colleges you're interested in. When reaching out, it's essential to prepare a resume that includes any applicable statistics, experience and highlight reels. Be sure to mention your military background and how it has prepared you to succeed in team environments.
Finally, consider physically visiting the colleges you’re interested in and asking for an opportunity to showcase your skills, if possible. Remember that NCAA does have rules regarding eligibility, enrolment, and age limits, so be sure to familiarize yourself with those as well. Best of luck! Let us know if you have any specific questions about this process.
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