Agree with everyone and there will be trade-off - Definitely a personal decision. want to give everybody an update on what I have done. we traveled to Boston for club soccer tryout. DS was selected to the top team at club. Club director helps find a family Near boarding school in the team willing to carpool with my son. Seems the logics, schedule and transportation may work for club soccer. I understand there will be certainly compromises with other school activities- both sports and non-sports. Anyone who have been in the same boat could share what they have done and what were some specific potential drawbacks and what they ended up with will be greatly appreciated. FYI- I am not sure if my son is up to D1 Soccer, maybe make to D3 at the current playing level. My own hope is he could attend stem/economics program in a large institution like duke or other selective school or Ivy League - but it is just my hope at this time.
I spent time yesterday with an old friend who has two sons that attended D1 schools on sports scholarships. Both ended up getting lesser degrees than they originally intended due to the time commitments of their sports. The dad indicated that the older son who has been out of college for two years, now thinks it was a mistake as the job opportunities are not great.
Sports are great and teach tremendous lessons but it seems difficult to support sports over academics unless you feel there is serious potential in the sport or there is not serious potential in the academics. Good luck!!
@yearstogo thanks for sharing your perspectives and experiences.
Personally, I am happy my kiddo prioritizes academics over sports. That being said, if you can take the best of both. You win. Sports gives you insight into working with others and learning to fail. Academics gives you the mindset to learn. Together you have a powerful combination.
Good luck.
One of my son’s club soccer teammates is going to barding school next year and spoke to the BS coach and the admin about playing club. The BS coach was very supportive. A number of his players are on the same club team, and the school assists in coordinating rides to practices and games. Check with the school and coach to determine the support available.
I have friends who were exceptional athletes and exceptional students who excelled at both at D1 places like Stanford. I, otoh, was a strong student and strong athlete, and D3 was perfect for me. I never felt like I was compromising on eithet front. You have several years in front of you to work this out with your son.