<p>So I've been playing soccer all my life and it's my number one passion. I'm very good at it and made a tough decision to go to a college for academics rather than to play soccer. </p>
<p>My club team won state cup and are moving on to regionals which is next week, After that soccer is over. Honestly I don't know how I am supposed to handle this. Not having practice all the time, not competing against teams across the state, not putting on my jersey ever again...</p>
<p>With high school ending, my passion and greatest hobby is ending too. I know there are intramurals at college, but it's not the competition level I have now. I do not know what to do with the free time I'll have or how to cope with losing such a huge part of my life. </p>
<p>Has anyone else dealt with this? Just looking for feedback or opinions or anything really.</p>
<p>It may not be the same, but consider volunteering to assistant coach a high school soccer team in the are you will attend school. You’ll be participating in a different way, but it will allow you to stay more involved. And I’m sure your help would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I had to do the same thing with lacrosse. It came down to recruiting to a good DIII/low DI school, or going to a good academic school that had the programs I wanted. All the academic schools I was looking at were either DI (Duke, Cornell, Northwestern) or had no lacrosse (UChicago, WashU—where I’m going). I’m of the opinion that getting recruited is great if it can bump you into a higher caliber school than you would get into otherwise.</p>
<p>Anyway, I LOVE lacrosse, I’ve put so many hours into it over so many years and I had the exact same thought taking off my jersey for the last time. And the “withdrawal” was even worse when I quit field hockey my sophomore year because of the team drama. -.-</p>
<p>My plan is to do club sports, not intramurals. Clubs are usually more competitive and more focused on winning. Not hating on intramurals, but I’m pretty competitive and I want to play with people that are good and that want to win the game. If your school does have a varsity team, try walking on. There may also be local club or school teams that need coaches. Coaching is a great way to stay in the sport, and being involved in the community is always a good thing, even after college apps. Just a warning: coaching can be tons of fun, but it can also be hard and/or frustrating if you don’t choose a level and age that you think is a good fit. But I coached some field hockey after I quit, and being around the sport helped a lot.</p>
<p>And I also remind myself that sooner or later, lacrosse was going to end, and I’ll be in a better place in four years. You don’t have to give up the sport entirely, and you’re going to meet new people and get involved in new things in college. But you’re definitely not the only person in this position. My advice is to stay as involved in the sport as you can, and that’ll make the whole process easier.</p>
<p>I was in the same position as you going into college, but I joined the club team and I’m having the time of my life. You’ll still have soccer in college, no worries.</p>
<p>I have the same problem, only it’s with music. It’s weird to think that I won’t be playing in a performance group after doing it since elementary school. I still want to look into playing in a more casual setting though, if nothing else because music has been my main hobby ever since I started. I’m looking into my school’s pep band, so who knows where that will go.</p>
<p>Im going to Ohio State where almost all players are recruited so I don’t think walking on is an option. Plus I don’t know if I’m good enough but who knows for sure?</p>
<p>Club soccer is soooo competitive there but I do think I can make the team. I think I will tryout for it. </p>
<p>Also, since I’m undecided on a major, would majoring in education and getting a coaching certificate be a good option? Then I’d be able to coach high school soccer. Thats be pretty cool. But not sure on how reliable a job that is. </p>
<p>Keep replying! I like all the ideas thrown out here.</p>
Just a warning: coaching can be tons of fun, but it can also be hard and/or frustrating if you don’t choose a level and age that you think is a good fit. But I coached some field hockey after I quit, and being around the sport helped a lot.</p>