Aurora students consider college athletics

For many, a sport is not just something to pass the time. Instead, a sport is an integral part of a person’s life that has too much value to give up. For this reason, many high school students aspire to be college athletes, including Aurora students.

One positive aspect of college sports are the scholarship opportunities. The NCAA offers $2.4 billion a year for athletic scholarships which definitely helps students out of debt. This is a point that Senior Shayla Sellers covers. When asked about pursuing basketball in college, Sellers said, “I plan on playing in college because college is expensive and sports can help with paying for it but also because I love playing and enjoy the atmosphere.”

The NCAA goes to great lengths to take care of student athletes. The NCAA’s Student Assistance Fund provides financial aid to those athletes with scholarships who may be going through a difficult time.

Overall, it is the love of the sport that provides a key reason for wishing to continue. Senior Morgan Copley describes why volleyball is so important to her.

“It is something I love to do in my free time and is a chance to compete at a high level. I have played JO (Junior Olympic) volleyball since 6th grade and it has really become a part of my identity.”

This dedication is what led Copley to commit to attending Kent State University where she will continue her passion for volleyball. She says that she can’t imagine not playing volleyball and adds that she loves “being on a team and the competitive nature of the game.”

Both Sellers and Copley were asked about what they found to be beneficial about playing a college sport. Copley responded “Yes, you stay active and get your education paid for. It is also a way to meet people and keep a set schedule.”

For Sellers, she says “I think it is beneficial because it can teach you many things like working together and being a team player, but also many teams help with many community and charity events, which is also beneficial.”

Sellers goes on to explain why basketball has become such a huge part of her life. “Basketball means so much to me because I've been playing for so long and I share a bond with my family because we all play.”

Finally, if you are considering being a college athlete, remember that you are still at school. Are you able to balance your athletic life with your academic life? Sellers has taken this into consideration and states, “I will ensure that I keep working hard on and off the court and also will focus on my schoolwork as well.”

This mindset will be what determines the success of a college athlete. The NCAA has found that 82% of Division 1 athletes have been able to receive their degrees despite the hard work a college sport requires.

If you are like Sellers and Copley, the drive to compete will be strong enough to ensure that your responsibilities on and off the court or field will not be lost. After hearing what two passionate Aurora athletes have to add to this topic, it is evident that sports have the capability of enriching a life to such a degree that college serves as another and greater opportunity to develop as an athlete.