2 answers
Tilly
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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what are some good colleges for people interested in pursuing an athletic career?
I am in 7th grade and I would like to do something sport related in my career.
I am interested in possibly teaching as a gym teacher or a coach of some sort.
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
613
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Tilly!
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about your future career in sports while in 7th grade. If you’re interested in becoming a gym teacher or coach, there are a lot of great colleges and programs that can help you get there. Here’s how to start planning your path:
1. What to Look for in a College
When choosing a college, focus on schools with strong programs in:
- Kinesiology or Exercise Science: These programs teach about the human body, fitness, and sports.
- Physical Education: Prepares you for a career as a gym teacher.
- Sports Management: Great for coaching or working in sports organizations.
- Athletic Training: If you’re interested in helping athletes prevent and recover from injuries.
2. Great Colleges for Athletic Careers
Here are a few schools known for their sports and physical education programs:
Large Universities with Strong Sports Programs
- University of Florida (UF): Top-ranked for exercise science and athletic programs.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC): Excellent sports programs and education degrees.
- University of Michigan (U-M): Offers physical education and sports-related degrees with strong athletic teams.
Colleges Known for Physical Education
- Springfield College (MA): Known as the birthplace of basketball, it has excellent programs in physical education and sports coaching.
- Texas A&M University: Offers degrees in kinesiology and coaching education.
- University of Georgia (UGA): Has strong programs in physical education and sports science.
Smaller Schools with Focused Programs
- Gonzaga University (WA): Offers sports management and physical education programs.
- Adams State University (CO): Known for sports-related degrees and a tight-knit community.
3. Steps to Prepare Now
- Stay Active in Sports: Join teams at school or in your community to build experience and skills.
- Volunteer or Shadow Coaches: Learn what coaching involves and gain hands-on experience.
- Focus on Academics: Work on science, health, and physical education classes—these will prepare you for college coursework.
- Learn About Scholarships: Many colleges offer sports-related scholarships for athletes or future coaches.
4. Career Paths to Explore
Your interest in teaching and coaching opens up many possibilities:
- Physical Education Teacher: Inspire kids to stay active and healthy.
- Sports Coach: Help teams succeed and mentor young athletes.
- Athletic Trainer: Work with athletes to prevent injuries and stay in peak condition.
- Sports Psychologist: Help athletes build mental strength and focus.
You’re off to a great start by thinking about this now! Keep exploring your interests, and don’t hesitate to try new sports or opportunities that come your way. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about your future career in sports while in 7th grade. If you’re interested in becoming a gym teacher or coach, there are a lot of great colleges and programs that can help you get there. Here’s how to start planning your path:
1. What to Look for in a College
When choosing a college, focus on schools with strong programs in:
- Kinesiology or Exercise Science: These programs teach about the human body, fitness, and sports.
- Physical Education: Prepares you for a career as a gym teacher.
- Sports Management: Great for coaching or working in sports organizations.
- Athletic Training: If you’re interested in helping athletes prevent and recover from injuries.
2. Great Colleges for Athletic Careers
Here are a few schools known for their sports and physical education programs:
Large Universities with Strong Sports Programs
- University of Florida (UF): Top-ranked for exercise science and athletic programs.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC): Excellent sports programs and education degrees.
- University of Michigan (U-M): Offers physical education and sports-related degrees with strong athletic teams.
Colleges Known for Physical Education
- Springfield College (MA): Known as the birthplace of basketball, it has excellent programs in physical education and sports coaching.
- Texas A&M University: Offers degrees in kinesiology and coaching education.
- University of Georgia (UGA): Has strong programs in physical education and sports science.
Smaller Schools with Focused Programs
- Gonzaga University (WA): Offers sports management and physical education programs.
- Adams State University (CO): Known for sports-related degrees and a tight-knit community.
3. Steps to Prepare Now
- Stay Active in Sports: Join teams at school or in your community to build experience and skills.
- Volunteer or Shadow Coaches: Learn what coaching involves and gain hands-on experience.
- Focus on Academics: Work on science, health, and physical education classes—these will prepare you for college coursework.
- Learn About Scholarships: Many colleges offer sports-related scholarships for athletes or future coaches.
4. Career Paths to Explore
Your interest in teaching and coaching opens up many possibilities:
- Physical Education Teacher: Inspire kids to stay active and healthy.
- Sports Coach: Help teams succeed and mentor young athletes.
- Athletic Trainer: Work with athletes to prevent injuries and stay in peak condition.
- Sports Psychologist: Help athletes build mental strength and focus.
You’re off to a great start by thinking about this now! Keep exploring your interests, and don’t hesitate to try new sports or opportunities that come your way. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
Felicia Barrs
Lead Property Management - Network Engineering
8
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Felicia’s Answer
Dear Tilly,
Reflecting on my life, one of the most fulfilling chapters was when I served as a basketball coach. I was also fortunate enough to witness my daughter's incredible journey in women's basketball at a University that was not considered a top-tier Division 1 school. Yet, her unwavering passion for the game managed to spotlight a Mid-Major Division 1 University.
Her exceptional talent led her to become the Greatest of All Time in two primary categories for Collegiate and Professional Women's Basketball. Instead of providing you with a list of top universities known for their athletes, I want to guide you towards choosing a University that not only aligns with your academic interests but also provides robust postgraduate support for your chosen sports career.
Building strong relationships within your chosen sports field while pursuing your degree is just as crucial.
Here are a few more things to consider:
1. As I've mentioned previously, don't get too hung up on the school's Division ranking. Remember, hard work can lead to excellence at any level.
2. Take into account the academic programs and the support they provide.
3. The location and campus culture should resonate with your needs and beliefs.
4. Evaluate the quality of the coaches currently in the roles you aspire to.
5. Ensure the programs offer high-quality facilities that cater to your sports interests.
If you're looking for specific college recommendations, here are a few to consider:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Texas at Austin
Stanford University
UCLA
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
California State University - Monterey Bay
William and Mary
Williams College
Amherst College
Swarthmore College
I hope you find this information helpful.
Reflecting on my life, one of the most fulfilling chapters was when I served as a basketball coach. I was also fortunate enough to witness my daughter's incredible journey in women's basketball at a University that was not considered a top-tier Division 1 school. Yet, her unwavering passion for the game managed to spotlight a Mid-Major Division 1 University.
Her exceptional talent led her to become the Greatest of All Time in two primary categories for Collegiate and Professional Women's Basketball. Instead of providing you with a list of top universities known for their athletes, I want to guide you towards choosing a University that not only aligns with your academic interests but also provides robust postgraduate support for your chosen sports career.
Building strong relationships within your chosen sports field while pursuing your degree is just as crucial.
Here are a few more things to consider:
1. As I've mentioned previously, don't get too hung up on the school's Division ranking. Remember, hard work can lead to excellence at any level.
2. Take into account the academic programs and the support they provide.
3. The location and campus culture should resonate with your needs and beliefs.
4. Evaluate the quality of the coaches currently in the roles you aspire to.
5. Ensure the programs offer high-quality facilities that cater to your sports interests.
If you're looking for specific college recommendations, here are a few to consider:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Texas at Austin
Stanford University
UCLA
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
California State University - Monterey Bay
William and Mary
Williams College
Amherst College
Swarthmore College
I hope you find this information helpful.