But this dream is available to only very few college athletes. While many talented high school players in various sports do receive financial assistance upon transitioning to college, not many are able to take their careers to a professional level. It is important to remember that many college athletes do not play sports with a wide spectator following. High school athletes in sports like crew and lacrosse may win scholarships or at least win admission to a more competitive college than they might otherwise, were they not an athlete, based upon their grades and test scores. But only a select few sports can offer an athlete a stable professional career, post-college, regardless of the level at which the athlete may play. A top shot-putter cannot have the same level of professional aspirations as a potential candidate for the NBA.
There are so many unsung sports in high school and college: women's softball, men's gymnastics, track and field, and other forms of competition that have a very narrow audience outside of a small group of fans. These sports...
This is true particularly on the college level, where the academic demands upon the student have increased. A pre-med cross-country runner knows that he or she cannot afford to fail organic chemistry and get into medical school, regardless of how fast he or she can run.
College sports are not always more demanding than high school sports. Because colleges usually offer a wider variety of sports which students can play, most students can participate -- even those who are not particularly strong athletes. A casual basketball fan may not be able to compete even at a strong high school, but can play on his or her college intramural team for fun. This can offer stress release and all of the benefits of athleticism, without any of the burdens.
