Are there scholarships for paintball players going to college?

I'm really into paintball and wondering if there are any scholarships available for college-bound players. Has anyone heard of opportunities for student athletes in paintball?

Believe it or not, there are organizations out there that specialize in funding and promoting non-traditional sports, and that includes paintball. For instance, the National Collegiate Paintball Association (NCPA) offers grant assistance to colleges wanting to start their own paintball teams and has scholarship programs to assist eligible college students.

The NCPA Scholarship is awarded to paintball athletes who have stood out in both their academic and athletic pursuits. To be eligible, you must be a current college student, maintain a minimum GPA, and be a member of an NCPA participating team. The scholarship amount varies each year.

Also consider non-sport specific scholarships for which you could still highlight your unique experience and commitment to the sport of paintball. Colleges often appreciate an applicant's unique hobbies and passions outside of academics, and this could factor into essays or interviews.

Don't forget to look for scholarships in the art and design field, especially if you do custom paint jobs or designs related to paintball. Some of these can be very specific, such as those targeting graphic designers, painters, and so on, but they could be another source of funding for you.

Yes, paintball is a bit of a niche sport, but the opportunities are there! It may take a bit of scouting, but your commitment to paintball might just help you finance your college education.