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The Difference Between College and High School Athletics

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The Difference between High School and College Athletics When I was applying to college I talked to the coach of the University of Central Oklahoma cheerleading squad in hopes that I could tryout for the team. I thought that another commitment in addition to my school work would help to keep me focused for the second semester. One thing that I didn’t expect is the time and energy you need to put aside to play a sport in college. In high school, playing a sport was a much easier task. College sports are very competitive and the athletes playing for the college are the most talented in the school division. I am not saying that I am not capable of cheerleading at a college level; more that it would be a strenuous commitment for a…show more content…
Conditioning and strength is also a huge difference between high school and college level sports. You have to stay in peak physical shape to continue building your skills or you will regress. So if you feel like slacking on some days, it becomes even more difficult. Furthermore, athletes who play at the college level work out constantly. All college competitors have been focused and experienced in their sport for quite a long time. Also, the commitment level has intensified in college sports. Playing a sport in college is a year round commitment, not a seasonal one. The sport consumes you and becomes your everyday life. If you are looking to have fun and work out here and there, a serious college sport might not be the route to go. Lastly, all college athletes must be able to balance academics and their sport. This requires a certain amount of maturity, experience, strength training, and commitment. All and all, stepping up to a college level sport after playing in high school is quite a leap. You have to be completely ready to do nothing else but that sport and maintain your
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