Foot Locker’s Post

🔥 Preferred Walk-On: A Valuable, But Limited, Path in College Athletics For many athletes, being a preferred walk-on seems like an incredible achievement. You’ve earned a spot on the team—without athletic scholarship aid—and get to train alongside scholarship players. But let’s talk about what that actually means: while you’ll be part of the team, you’ll often find yourself primarily a practice player. And sure, there are lessons in grit, hard work, and commitment here. But what if there’s a better way? At a Division 3 or club program, you’re far more likely to get on the field, lead your team, and make a real impact. Many D3 schools also offer academic scholarships, which opens up financial support without limiting your playing time. Girls, especially, tend to excel in environments where they can lead, are actively valued, and get real play time. The D1 walk-on route works for some—but don’t overlook the rich experiences D3 and club sports provide. It’s not only about getting a jersey; it’s about academics, leadership, and having the confidence that you’re making a difference. These qualities will drive you forward in sports and beyond. Remember, your growth isn’t just about the game—it’s about making sure you’re in a place where you can truly thrive. 🌟 #CollegeAthletics #D3Sports #WomenInLeadership #PlayToLead #EmpowermentThroughSports

Thissssssss. Love this so much and it’s what I work on with teams because it’s a powerful advantage on so many levels. Want to keep your people? Build something? Be the upset that plays above expectations? Do the same thing great employers do. Create an experience, connections, and a culture that they know they can’t get anywhere else. Those great new facilities at another school may look pretty good, but if I have to leave the best experience and teammates and a coach I love for it, I’m not going. People stay where they feel empowered, valued, sharpened, believed in, celebrated, heard and appreciated. Don’t compromise that culture for talent that has no respect for what you’ve built. Because that toxic talent will eventually move on, and they’ll leave destruction behind them.

Check out my blog talking about Daron Holmes ll and his athletic career here at The University of Dayton

What is the purpose of athletics in a Christian school? Hiring for a new high school Athletics Director this year, and an elementary Athletics Director last year, has forced our leadership team to undergo some serious thought about this. "...We love competing at LCS. We love winning banners. We love seeing our students achieve success and excellence in their sport. But that’s not why we do it." Read the blog post below to learn more about how athletics fit into our core values. https://lnkd.in/g3tfJHfX

Student-athletes are talented individuals who balance leadership skills in their chosen sport with a rigorous academic course load. Successful and recruited student-athletes will tell you that of the many skills they need, the most important are time management, passion and dedication to practicing their chosen sport, and academic curiosity. But having those skills is just the tip of the iceberg—athletic recruitment involves a lot. Understanding the landscape of college athletics is an essential first step in moving forward in seeking your best-fit college experience. That's why we've created this guide to help you have a stress-free recruitment season - take a look at our year-by-year tips https://hubs.ly/Q02BmYmS0

We're thrilled to announce our Next Play Nation Monthly Guest: JJ Jemison! 🎉 Join us for an insightful discussion on "Getting Recruited and Preparing For the College Search Process". Whether you're a student athlete aiming for the next level or seeking valuable insights for your future endeavors, this session is a must-attend! Here are the key topics we'll be covering: 1️⃣ Understanding the higher ed landscape and exploring different options available. 2️⃣ Honest self-reflection and introspection: What do you truly want from your college experience? 3️⃣ Developing disciplined habits for success in and out of the classroom. 4️⃣ Being a self-advocate, gaining exposure, and utilizing available resources. 5️⃣ Understanding the nuances of need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and athletic scholarships. Our guest, JJ Jemison, brings a wealth of experience as a former D3 athlete in soccer at Kenyon College and currently serves as the Associate Director of Admissions at Kenyon College. 🎓 Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights! Save the date and stay tuned for further updates. See you there! 👏 #NextPlayNation #CollegePrep #StudentAthlete #HigherEdInsights

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future,” Sluka announced on X. The Matthew Sluka situation at UNLV is yet another reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, particularly in the era of NIL. As college sports move closer to professionalism, athletes are now making career-altering decisions that impact their futures both on and off the field. Navigating this new environment requires not only talent but also a deep understanding of the business side of sports. Sluka's situation underscores the critical need for athletes to have knowledgeable, experienced representation in their corner—professionals who understand the complexities of NIL agreements, contract negotiations, and brand partnerships. Without proper guidance, even the most promising careers can face unexpected hurdles. Now more than ever, athletes need trusted advisors who can protect their interests, uphold commitments, and ensure they are set up for long-term success, both during their collegiate careers and beyond. It's not just about playing the game anymore; it's about managing your career like a business.

🔴 Redshirt: Athletes practice with the team but don’t compete in games for a season, preserving one of their four years of eligibility. In D1 football, you can play in up to 4 games and still redshirt. Perfect for skill development, adjusting to college life, or recovering from injury. 🔵 Blueshirt: Walk-ons who weren’t officially recruited (no official visits or NILs) but earn a scholarship after joining the team. Their scholarship counts toward next year’s limit, making it a hidden tool for roster management. 🟢 Greenshirt: Athletes who graduate high school early and enroll in the spring BEFORE their freshman season. They can join training and even take classes, getting a head start on both athletics and academics. ⚪ Grayshirt: Athletes delay full-time enrollment until the spring semester of their freshman year. They typically join the team late, with eligibility starting after enrollment. Often used when scholarships aren’t available immediately. 💎 Share this with someone who’s going through the college recruiting process and follow for more information.

Division I College Football is 100% a business. It’s about figuring out the appropriate dollar value for each player. The majority of college coaches and athletic directors might think they understand what that means, but that’s not what I see. To really survive and have a competitive advantage, college football programs need to be run professionally. If the National Football League (NFL) ran themselves like college does today, they would go out of business. We need to move to a professional model and #Belichick will bring experience in that specific world other coaches do not have. Players are no longer at one program for their careers- there is constant change. He will not have to adapt to the college game, the college game will adapt to him. #collegesports #football #UNC

Consider a Post-Grad Year or JUCO Title: Flexible Pathways to Scholarships: Post-Grad or JUCO Could Be the Key! Content: If an athletic scholarship didn’t happen for you this year, be flexible and consider alternative routes to keep your dreams alive. One fantastic option is enrolling in a post-graduate (post-grad) program. Schools like IMG Academy offer post-grad programs that act as a “gap year” for athletes, allowing you to keep training at a high level and enhancing your academics. This year, you’ll have access to college-level facilities, a rigorous training regimen, and experienced coaches who can help you improve. Plus, this program can help you get academically qualified if grades are an issue! Another option to consider is attending a junior college (JUCO). Junior colleges provide an affordable way to continue playing your sport while working towards an associate's degree. Competing at the JUCO level helps maintain your NCAA eligibility, meaning you can transfer to a four-year college afterward without losing playing time. JUCO athletes often have the opportunity to develop their skills, gain visibility, and secure scholarship offers from more extensive programs after their time at the junior college. It’s a great stepping stone that has helped countless athletes reach the next level. Things to Keep in Mind: Post-Grad Year: Enhances athletic skills and academics, allowing for a more robust recruitment profile. JUCO Programs: Low-cost education, continued athletic competition, and maintaining NCAA eligibility—all key for transferring to a four-year school later. Success Example: Cam Newton, an NFL MVP, started at a JUCO before earning his scholarship to Auburn, where he won a national championship! #PostGradYear #JUCOPath #AthleticScholarships #FlexibilityInRecruiting #NeverStopDreaming