As the school year comes to an end, senior student athletes finish up committing to the college they see themselves playing at in the future. Playing a sport at the next level is a big accomplishment for athletes as it gives some students a full ride, and many get scholarship money, which helps students save a lot of money for their futures.

College sports is a completely new environment for athletes as it creates opportunities to meet new teammates and coaches. Not only that, athletes get to play for a bigger school with nicer facilities and more of a competitive environment. Student athletes spend their whole junior and senior years getting into contact with coaches to reach the next level of play.

“I’m most excited to be a part of that team and environment,” said UW Whitewater track and cross country commit Jeana Roscoe. “I am also excited to be training every day with my new team.”

Not only are student athletes excited about the environment, some are excited for the challenge college sports has to offer.

“I am really excited to play college basketball because I want to play at the next level and challenge myself,” said Lake Forest college basketball commit Makayla Campbell. “I am also looking forward to traveling for away games.”

Most student athletes that commit have a deep passion for their sport as some have been playing it for their whole lives.

“I wasn’t ready to give up and stop playing the sport I’ve been playing for 10 years,” said University of Southern Maine volleyball commit Macie Ahmer. “I’ve always dreamed of being able to play in college ever since I was a little kid, so I just never wanted to give up on my dreams.”
Whether it’s the atmosphere, the facilities, the distance, or size of the school, committed athletes choose the specific college that fits their needs the most.

“I visited Lake Forest College a few times, and I loved the team and the atmosphere,” Campbell said. “I watched practice and a few games, and I just liked how the team played together and the coaches were really nice.”

Not only does the atmosphere come into play when deciding on a school to commit to, the location is also a big factor too.

“I loved the location of the school,” Ahmer said. “Being close to the beach yet still having the seasons, but also the coach and the team dynamic was something I wanted to be a part of.”