Hi, I’m not too sure if this question has been asked but, it would mean a lot if I could get some advice. Let me give you guys some background, I am a currently Junior is high school going into my senior year. During this year coaches have been contacting me and giving me information on the school and the teams. Telling me to keep updating them and they’ll make an offer mid way through my senior year. As excited as I am they are pretty far from where I live. I currently live in CA and I’ve gotten offers from D2 and D3 schools in OK, PA, WI etc. I’ve told my mom about these and she gets sort of on the mad/sad side. Bringing up how if I want to be that far away from my family then fine, or if I don’t want to see them then to go. As excited as I was I thought she would be too but, it seems like she doesn’t want me to go. Me and my mom are really close so I just keep telling myself to give it time because it may just be the thought of me leaving, but i want t be able to go compete without feeling guilty. I still hope to be able to get more offers that aren’t as far but, i cant tell the future. Can i please get some help with this or any ideas.
It is a big decision to go to college far away from your home. These are more modern times so there is free long distance phone calls, zoom, face time, and even good old fashion letters to keep you connected, but the in person trips will be few.
Those aren’t the same as being in the stands for a game. My daughter was 2000 miles away and I could attend about a week of games (tried to go for her spring break when she normally had 4-5 games) per year, and I could watch them streamed. I was pretty jealous of the parents who went to every game and even traveled to nearby away games.
My daughter didn’t come home much. She had a short Thanksgiving break, and she always played over spring break. Those states you listed do have pockets where it is very difficult to travel to or from, and often expensive.
My daughter went halfway across the country to play VB. She was the oldest of four so we didn’t have a lot of budget to go out there during her four years. Honestly I took her out for freshman year, my wife visited sophomore year and we all went out for her Senior night game last fall. She had some family within a few hours so she went to Thanksgiving at my brother’s or Easter at my s-i-l’s house, but she only came home at Christmas and summer. Your family’s financial situation might differ, but be comfortable with the level of access going in. My daughter was very independent and this posed no problem.
On the other hand we never missed a game. Almost all of her D3 games (Centennial conference) were on the internet, and several schools actually had someone doing announcing. You didn’t say what sport you play, but check into the schedule for the schools you’re considering to see what’s available for your parents back home. (I don’t think XC will be broadcast, but most field/court sports get a camera on them.)
One more thing: the local teammates and parents were awesome about adopting our DD when there were picnics or team outings. There were several out of state kids in her class and there was a lot of support for those not going home regularly.
As a mom with a rising senior that is looking to go to colleges that are far away - here’s my take… Don’t worry about your mom.
Are YOU ready and prepared for college? Are you comfortable with doing your own laundry, cooking, making your own doctor appointments, getting up and to class on time, etc etc?
And then emotionally / socially - are you up for making new friends and finding new support groups?
My daughter has answered yes to all the above questions, so I am ready to let her go! Of course I will be sad and miss her - but this is what I have helped prepare her for!
I will be watching her matches via streaming and hopefully able to see at least one in person match. But I know she is strong and resourceful and will thrive.
Hope that helps!