I am a rising sophomore who plays lacrosse. D1 colleges are not allowed to recruit until September 1, 2021. I have anxiety about not getting any offers, especially after devoting countless hours practicing and traveling to gain exposure. I wonder if that time and energy could have been put into other extracurricular activities. I am an Under Armour All-American, State Finalist, etc. My question is: Will universities even care about those accolades if I am not a recruit at their school? Will they consider my dedication to this sport when I apply, or disregard this activity since I will not be recruited?
Of course they will care. It is a super EC even for those not recruited.
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The amount of time you commit, the longevity and grit, the leadership skills you develop -of course they’ll care, whether they pursue you and and/or you decide to continue or you decide just to be a student.
It’s a fantastic EC.
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It might even be a “privileged” EC at some colleges.
Harvard lawsuit documents indicate that athletic is one of the categories scored in initial application reading, suggesting high relative importance compared to other ECs.
Small colleges with many sports may like having athletically inclined students for a pool of walk ons.
There is certain recruiting they can’t do and LOTS they can do. You can contact them and they can answer. You can be seen at showcases. You can talk to D3 schools. Your coaches can talk to college coaches (and they do).
You will be recruited by some schools. Whether those schools are of interest to you is your decision.
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As you know, athletes have to devote a huge amount of time and discipline to play a sport and to keep up in academics. Colleges recognize this and like athletes because “you” are not a “book” and are getting outside of the classroom developing multiple skills.
All three of my children played high school sports.
All three got into strong schools.
(One was recruited but got injured.)
Continue doing what you like. No school wants clones. They want individuals who know what they want to play.
Thinking long term, you know who else likes athletes ? Employers. Keep it up !!
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