<p>So this was a very popular(and useful thread) 2 years ago. My son is a graduating senior athlete at Midd, and is just finishing his final season! I am SO proud of him for his perseverance and hard work.
We just had our senior recognition dinner, and there were 18 seniors, half men and women for over 2/3 retention, which I think speaks well of the swimmers, and the coach.
It's D3 so staying on the team is not connected to aid, but pure love of the sport and respect for the team. My son will never be an Olympian, but watching his hard work lead to improvement without taking away from his main purpose at college-to obtain a superior education and be prepared for his future was an experience for which I'll always be grateful.
For him-D3 was the right balance!
Other comments?</p>
<p>My D elected to play at a D3 school (NESCAC) rather than a lower level D1 school. The main factor was that the D1 school required 20 hours of official practice time during the school week, with the D3 school requiring about 8 hours. My D did not want her sport to be a job. The actual time spent on the sport would be substantially greater during school, with unofficial workouts, team social events etc. not included in the official time. She was concerned about the impact on her grades. </p>
<p>In her case, the D3 schools were also better academically, which was also important to her. Also, playing time was a certainty in D3, in D1 she would have to fight for playing time. I would not go to a place where you will not play.</p>
<p>That said, the D1 schools offered both athletic and academic money that could not be offered at the NESCAC schools, which (at the top level at least) only offer need based aid, althought they meet 100% of need. D3 schools cannot offer athletic money and academic money is not generally offered at most of the top D3 schools since everyone is smart. So, if money is a consideration then the D1 schools have to be strongly considered. Of course, the Ivy League (D1-AA) only offers need based money as well.</p>
<p>Congrats OldBatesieDoc, and to your son for an incredible 4-year college experience. Anyone who’s played 4 years of a college sport at ANY level has achieved something of significance in my book. </p>
<p>My son will complete his 4th year in Ivy baseball in a few months, and graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and material science. He has a job offer from an international company that may begin in Germany/Switzerland if he choses. He continues to interview with other companies in his field to get a feel for the job market. Never jump at the first offer is something he learned in college baseball recruiting 5 years ago. So, he is seeing what else is available on the job market, keeping up with his studies, and getting ready for a competitive Ivy baseball season. The past 4 years have been a blur. My wife and I plan to enjoy his last semester as much as possible.</p>
<p>Best of luck to all the other athletes out there. The last 4 years were certainly worth it.</p>
<p>It’s amazing how fast the college parental experience has gone by. Son is in his final season of college golf and will graduate in Spring with a degree in Economics. He is planning on turning pro in August and is working on a business plan and speaking about his plans to potential sponsors or investors. I am flying to Hawaii to kick of the first tournament of the season in less than 2 weeks and I plan to be at every one of his final collegiate golf events. Will miss the families and great relationships we have developed traveling together and rooting on our team. Been a great ride!!</p>
<p>Our Jr at HYP is still competing.
Has had one serious injury that I worry about–however K1 is determined to keep on…
The injury kept k1 from an int’l event last spring/summer.</p>
<p>Academics have been fine–very rigorous as expected and certainly between classes, p sets and team, there is little time to do all of the other 'college-y" things.</p>
<p>Our K2 is a hs sr and has just bought the sweatshirt–having decided.
It is a D1 team and we have discussed what it would look like with and without the team all 4 yrs. K2s academic program offers a co-op–so that will impact things.</p>
<p>We have asked K1 about it and the team…K1 has no regrets.</p>
<p>D is a D1 golfer in her sophomore year. She is double majoring and still managing to balance a split golf season (fall and spring). So far, all is working out for her. Congrats to those graduating!</p>
<p>S is a sophomore D3 football player. He made All Academic for his conference and 2nd team All Conference as a sophomore. He is a math/economics major and doing great in school.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I am so proud of my son and grateful for all the support and help we received from this forum. It’s been a real advantage having an “excuse” to visit his college and as many meets as possible. It’s helped us stay in touch and involved in a good way-watching your child grow in to a mature adult who has committment and perseverance toward goals.
I would encourage anyone with the ability to play a sport in college at the D3 level, or even as a club to do it.It absolutely helped my s not only get into the college of his choice, but stay focused on his goals.</p>
<p>OldbatesieDoc congrats to your son for his success! </p>
<p>My son is also a senior. After a rough first year when he questioned his ability to play his sport (golf) at the D3 level, he spent the next few years focused, fearless and working very hard. Everything has come together for him this year, he’s having a record-setting season. He has matured in both his sport, his academics and his outlook in life these past 4 years. </p>
<p>Like momof2010, I’ll be traveling to all the spring tournaments. It’s a nice excuse to be back on campus when the tournaments are close by, and to get to know the rest of the team in their natural setting. I’ll also miss the wonderful group of parents I’ve met, both from DS’s school and several other parents in the conference who we’ve met over the years.</p>