Each year, hundreds of thousands of high school athletes step on to courts, fields, and pools across the country to chase a dream of playing at the collegiate level. For a select few, often less than two percent, that dream becomes reality. Each athlete’s journey often begins years in advance, requiring sacrifice for each athlete to achieve their dream.
As early as middle school athletes begin building their habits that begin work athletic that can put them ahead. Extra private lessons, strength programs, and many weekends of travel tournaments. Oftentimes it is beyond physical work, athletics takes up social life and requires a large emotional investment. Juggling the expectations of school and their busy schedules can leave little room for free time.
“I first realized I had a chance to play division 1 baseball during a game against Loyola,” said senior Ace Targano. “We played at LMU, I had a game winning hit that scored 2 runs. The energy of the team and success made me realize that I had a chance to play at the next level.”
Once high school begins, the expectation is greater. As students face new challenges, trying out for the different sports teams at Costa. For most athletes not making varsity they have to work their way up the program. With the competitions growing, academics remains just as important, with NCAA eligibility demanding hard work in the classroom. Balancing late night homework and early morning lifts becomes a daily routine for athletes. During these years most athletes experience the highs and lows that shape mental toughness that is required for the next level. All the hard work is worth it when your team wins a big match and you get the feeling of accomplishment.
“Balancing academics, leadership, and water polo at Costa was the toughest obstacle because of dealing with the busy schedule,” said senior Flynn Guenther. “Costa really pushed me to thrive in both the classroom and the pool. Relying on my teammates and coaches for support. Costa pushed me to stay disciplined and consistent, and that structure kept me moving toward a Division 1 opportunity.
As recruitment intensifies, athletes enter a hectic phase before and after June 15 of their sophomore year which is when coaches can contact athletes. Emails and calls with coaches, highlight reals being sent out, official visits across the US, and massive showcase tournaments can be the difference in an athlete playing in college. For some, the process can happen very fast, while others it can be slower requiring patience and persistence. This can take a mental toll on athletes competing with athletes around the globe for the same spot at a university. For many athletes, they have trouble picking what is best for them and often look for advice from their families, friends, and coaches.
“Having the support of my family, especially my mom and dad, kept me on track for sending emails to coaches making sure I kept all my options open,” said senior Simone Roslon. “I also got immense support from all my coaches helping me find the school that is the best fit for me academically and athletically.”
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