7.9 million high school students participate in sports, but only 6 percent of them go on to play in college. 

As high school athletes enter the college recruitment phase, they face an overwhelming blend of excitement and pressure that can significantly impact their future. 

For years, student-athletes have been under immense pressure to perform, please, and perfect. As young athletes develop, the added pressure of college recruitment starts to linger over their heads. 

Every day more and more athletes are dying for a spot on a D1 roster. The competition is fierce, making every game an athlete plays a critical moment in determining their future, heightening stress and anxiety amongst most players. 

Athletes often find themselves worrying about making mistakes, leading their team to failure, or facing injuries because of the disruption that it could cause in their recruitment journey. Balancing the demands of their sport and the stress of school on top of an athlete’s social life easily becomes one’s entire life goal.  

Between practices, maintaining good grades, and building relationships with college coaches; athletes sometimes underestimate their athletic abilities and personal attributes. 

It is easy for athletes to think they are not good enough. However, they must remember that their values go beyond the playing field. They should also recognize that their coaches, parents, and teammates are there to help them manage all these pressures and maintain their happiness during this intense yet exciting chapter of their lives. 

Varsity volleyball player and San Diego Union-Tribune athlete Madyson McCarthy ‘26, currently in the recruiting process, explains “My parents have supported me emotionally throughout the recruitment process, helping me stay positive during stressful moments.”

While the stresses of college recruitment can be daunting it proves to also have several benefits. College recruitment can offer exposure to higher education opportunities, the development of skills, and lifelong memories. The choice to embark on the process is a huge commitment. Recent Alabama commit Presley Williams ‘26 explains that her process was “super exciting, it came with a lot of stress but it was all worth it in the end.” She also explains, “I am excited for this next step in my life because I am excited to become a better soccer player and student.”  

Ultimately, college recruitment is a stressful time for athletes, but it is also a pivotal opportunity for personal growth and development. By shifting focus on their overall well-being and leaning on their support systems, athletes can navigate this challenging journey with confidence. As each individual pursues their dreams, it is crucial to remember that success is not necessarily defined by athletic achievements but also by the character you build. After all, for high school athletes, it’s not just about the game but it’s about the lifelong lessons learned and friendships formed making the journey in the end all worth it.