Is Quitting Lacrosse a Good Idea?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi all,

I’ve been feeling really conflicted about this, and would love some fresh insight from other fellow high schoolers (or college students!). I have been playing lacrosse for 6 years, and I was very close to making varsity my freshman year of high school. Last year, I should have been bumped to varsity, but we had just gotten a new head coach and she definitely didn’t like me off the bat. I was disappointed, as I’ve wanted to play on varsity ever since middle school, and was planning to work harder and make the team my junior year (now). However, I have a passion for volunteering and human rights, and have made it a priority and huge commitment throughout high school, and my priorities have definitely shifted.

Especially with the work load this year, I am unsure of whether or not I should continue playing lacrosse and being on varsity. I’m definitely involved in the area of community service and leadership, but I have always felt like lacrosse has been a huge part of my life and who I am as a character.

In terms of my priorities and commitments, should I quit in order to prioritize my other extracurriculars and focus on school? And in terms of college, will it affect my chances? I am looking at the east coast, and I know lacrosse is big over there, but definitely don’t want to do something just to fill out on a piece of paper. Thanks guys!

2

However, if I don’t play, I will become a lax referee and help out as an assistant for the JV team!

3

How much do you like lacrosse? If it’s something that you really love to do, I’d be hesitant to drop it, but if it’s less fun than it used to be and is feeling like a drain on your energy and time, I’d probably quit. Sports will typically only make a big difference to a college if you’re recruitable, and spending your time on things that you’re excited about is much better (for you and your applications). And, yes, colleges like to see continuity, but I really wouldn’t worry about that. Adcoms know that we’re all just people, growing and learning and exploring and changing.

4

If you think you can be at a level to be a recruited athlete at the schools you are interested in, keep it up, for sure.

If you are doing it only because you think it’ll look good to the Ad Com as an EC, it’s not really worth the commitment.

5

Do you want to play in college? HS sports take a huge amount of your time. If your answer is no and you focused your energies on other areas, community service, why not. I personally do not believe it will hurt you when it comes to applying for college. Your essays can show how you found a passion let nothing stand in your way.