Home > Education > Secondary School > Secondary School (Other)
Should a star high school athlete turn pro or go to college?
Results so far:
| Turn Pro | 34% | 34 votes | Total: 99 votes | |
| College | 66% | 65 votes |
Turn Pro
by Rory Hume
Created on: February 04, 2011
First we should consider the ambiguity of the question, “Should a star high school athlete should become a professional or go to college?” This is a general question that should always be answered specifically. The answer should always depend on the particular athlete; the athlete’s chosen sport, and a cost benefit analysis between becoming a professional and going to college.
Next we should consider the particular athlete. Is he or she Lebron James, or Sabrina Williams? In other words is the athlete a once in a generation Michael Phelps, or merely very good, but not extraordinary? In considering particular athletes it is necessary to consider the level of competition each individual excels at. Did the athlete make the cut at the Master’s as a seventeen year old amateur? Did she win the junior Australian open at sixteen? Did he play at a small high school that plays against other small high schools? An affirmative answer to the last question suggests that an athlete has competed against a diluted talent pool, and is less likely to be competitive as a pro out of high school.
The particular sport the athlete plays is as important as the talent level of the athlete. It does not matter how good a high school football player is because his body is never fully physically developed at the end of high school. A fully developed adult body is necessary to be competitive as a professional football player. This is due to the amount of physical contact in football. In contrast, an extraordinarily talented basketball or soccer player can compete physically with grown adults because different skills are important in basketball than in football. It is important to consider the physical tools necessary to compete professionally in a sport, and then to consider whether a still (physically) developing high school graduate has these necessary physical tools.
Another consideration is the difference in the rules of professional and college games in some sports. Specifically a baseball player may choose to play professional minor league baseball instead of college baseball in order to learn how to hit with a wooden bat at a younger age. A pitcher may choose the same path to learn how to pitch to the inside part of home plate. This not possible against the aluminum bats used in college baseball. A baseball, hockey, or tennis player may decide the level of competition in the minor/junior leagues is better than it is in college. Additionally, an athlete might choose to concentrate full time on his or her sport instead of going to college. Classes and studying take away from time that could be spent training or watching sport related film. The NCAA sets a limit of how many hours a week a student athlete can practice and watch film with coaches. If an athlete’s sole focus is to be a professional, this NCAA rule as well as the level of competition in college might hinder the athlete’s development.
Athletes that can be professionally competitive immediately upon turning professional, and will make more money over their lifetimes by turning pro instead of going to college should strongly consider becoming professionals. Due to limits of the human body and the aging process a professional athlete has a limited number of years to make money as a professional athlete. It would have cost Lebron James over 18 million dollars in National Basketball Association salary (not including endorsements) to go to college straight out of high school.
Certainly, James is the exception to the rule, but exceptions like James lead to the point that categorical answers to general questions tend to lack critical, careful analysis. If an exceptional athlete would be a competitive professional straight out of high school, and the athlete would make more money over the course of his career by going pro instead of going to college, then it is extremely likely that this individual will be able to afford a college education at the end of his professional athletic career.
Learn more about this author, Rory Hume.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
College
by Lolito Tampus
Created on: February 15, 2011 Last Updated: July 07, 2011
College experience for a star athlete can be one of the best chapters in his life. Having a college education, and thereafter, possessing a degree is a great personal achievement that is worth more than any material wealth. The feeling during graduation time is a cloud nine emotion any sportsman can savor. The experience of academic victory is absolute and epic in nature, since there is emphasis on the recognition of past struggles which were energized by the spirit of dedication and fun. It gives the realization that nobody can take the coveted educational victory away from anybody. It drives the athlete to think of learning as a permanent ownership. It gives them an opportunity to think that the earned distinction after college, can be the best legacy for the family. It is also a springboard and an assurance to secure anything like money, more knowledge, dignity, respect, jobs, etc. Thus, the college memories and benefits can last for many years.
On one hand, a star athlete cannot be a star for eternity. He might have forgettable money, fame, honors and athletic records. However, his statistics, heroism and athleticism have limits including wealth and achievements. In the later years, he goes with them to be shattered, broken and forgotten. As time goes by, he is deleted by the next generations who would focus on their own outstanding performances. The athlete can have fame that ceases. His experience is just like any sports encounter, hostilities, athletic extravaganzas that end in the finals. He is like a foregone topic being talked about in sports analyses, editions and seasons. And he is not to be mentioned forever.
As a star high school athlete, enjoying life to the fullest is recommended. The following factors should be thought of, before prematurely turning pro:
1. A star high school athlete cannot be a star all throughout the nation in a given time. There are also other stars from other places. The competition nowadays is very, very stiff.
2. Physically and emotionally, a high school star has to grow and mature. There are a lot of challenges banging bodies with older counterparts.
3. Mentally and intellectually, the knowledge and understanding of the game is insufficient. Experience and natural talents are not enough. There are many things to consider in interpreting a new program and system which calls for immediate absorption of rudiments, practices, patterns and the actual games in the professional leagues.
4. There is a greater risk for injuries for young bloods. The upcoming high school star can be the subject for bullying, and defense or offense from opponents and teammates can be flagrant.
5. Every action of the star is forced and upbeat. There is something to prove all the time. To meet every body's expectations, double time in efforts is necessary and not on a regular basis of taking one game at a time, by the others who were ahead in the system.
6. There is sanity in honing the amateur skills first. Young players have still tantrums, hardheadedness and naivety that can cause troubles and misunderstanding with other players.
7. Money can still be sufficient for survival in college. There are available sponsors, promotions, parental support and scholarships. Future bigger purse can still wait in the professional world.
8. There is an element of loyalty for the Alma mater, coaches and friends if college years are completed. Team and personal building of confidence and camaraderie are further stengthened, unlike in the pro games in which there are adjustments made to cater to mixed personalities in a new venue.
9. Parents and teachers like their kids to undergo a normal life. They cherish familial and institutional honors and pride to be shared in a longer duration but in an ordinary pace.
10. The immediate community or society takes pride in sharing the honor. The abrupt disappearance of an idolized citizen can always draw mixed reactions and effects which are always negative and discouraging.
Achieving a college education is an assured preparation for the future. It is one of the best legacies, a sportsman can leave behind until the end of time. It has no regulation period as experienced during games. It can only offer meaningful victories in life.
Learn more about this author, Lolito Tampus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next Page >>
Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills
Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all
INFORMATION
Copyright © 2002-2012 Helium, Inc. All rights reserved.
Helium.com: A Service of RR Donnelley