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Should I take softball next year in my junior year of high school?
I am currently a sophomore in high school that is starting to pick next year’s classes. I am not planning on playing high school in college, so I’d like to know if it’s worth it to play softball all 4 years of high school.
Is it better to play 4 years of high school, or find some extracurriculars to do (I don’t know what I want to be or major in so if there are any suggestions as to what I can do for better ECs or to figure out a good career path/major)
I do very well in school and next year I have a pretty full and difficult class schedule. I have been wanting to quit softball for a while (I’ve been playing for 5 years), but I’m scared I will miss it or regret it. However, I feel like i would be much less stressed without softball, and maybe even happier.
Do you think I should continue playing all 4 years? Will it look better on college applications to continue playing or does it not make a big difference whether I quit or stay? If I were to quit, I’d just add another class to my schedule.
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Dr’s Answer
Madison, you’re in a good spot here because no matter what you choose, you’re making a thoughtful decision—and that’s what actually matters. The mentors gave some fire advice, and they all hit different angles.
Michelle pointed out that for California schools, extracurriculars don’t carry as much weight, which is true, but since you're looking out of state, that changes things a bit. Chinyere nailed the “do what excites you” angle, which is huge—college apps aside, your time is valuable, so why spend it on something you don’t love? And Marie basically gave you a full roadmap of pros and cons, which is super helpful for seeing the big picture.
One thing not directly mentioned is how quitting or staying affects your own identity. If softball has been a big part of how you see yourself, stepping away might feel weird at first. But if you’re feeling done with it, that’s a sign to pivot. On the flip side, if you still enjoy parts of it (even if you're just over the competitive grind), maybe there’s a middle ground—coaching, a rec league, or even using that time to dive into a new passion.
Basically, their advice boils down to: don’t just keep playing for the sake of it, but don’t quit just for college apps either. Make the move that feels right for you, and everything else will fall into place. No wrong answers—just different paths. You got this Madison and know you got back up! All the best buddy!
Michelle pointed out that for California schools, extracurriculars don’t carry as much weight, which is true, but since you're looking out of state, that changes things a bit. Chinyere nailed the “do what excites you” angle, which is huge—college apps aside, your time is valuable, so why spend it on something you don’t love? And Marie basically gave you a full roadmap of pros and cons, which is super helpful for seeing the big picture.
One thing not directly mentioned is how quitting or staying affects your own identity. If softball has been a big part of how you see yourself, stepping away might feel weird at first. But if you’re feeling done with it, that’s a sign to pivot. On the flip side, if you still enjoy parts of it (even if you're just over the competitive grind), maybe there’s a middle ground—coaching, a rec league, or even using that time to dive into a new passion.
Basically, their advice boils down to: don’t just keep playing for the sake of it, but don’t quit just for college apps either. Make the move that feels right for you, and everything else will fall into place. No wrong answers—just different paths. You got this Madison and know you got back up! All the best buddy!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Madison !
Good to see you here. You you can re-read the advice I provided for you about this yesterday at the link below.
As you will recall, your extra curriculars in high school will not much matter to colleges within the University of California or the California State University systems. As I advised, you can do anything you want while in high school for extra curriculars, the focus should be on maintaining your wonderful grades in your classes. I also suggested extra curriculars that would hone your communication and leadership skills as those skills will be needed for almost any career. So you are doing great and this is not an issue to focus on.
What you'll need to focus on is your grades right now. If you want to stop softball, stop softball. No one can tell you what to do. In your first inquiry, it did sound like you wanted to stop the sport, so do what you want to do.
Reread my advice from yesterday - California state colleges and universities as well as California private universities DO NOT go by extracurriculars for admissions, rather high GPA and high grades in your high school classes. They only look at extracurriculars if you apply for a scholarship from their college. No SAT scores or essays are required for admissions either. If you are not getting sufficient advice and information about this, please do return and give other details.
Because extracurriculars from high school do not play a role in admissions to California colleges, you can basically do what you want. See yesterday's advice at the link below for specific activities that will sharpen your skills for any career.
What college do you plan to attend ? Yesterday you said a university and you're in California. Do you plan to go to college out of State ? You'll need to specify that or if you'll stay in California for college. Don't worry about not having a major yet - there's time and if needed, you do not need to declare a major when you apply to college. Your good grades are going to take you far, so please do not worry.
MY ADVICE TO YOU ABOUT THIS FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2025 https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1037063/how-do-i-figure-out-a-career-and-major
Good to see you here. You you can re-read the advice I provided for you about this yesterday at the link below.
As you will recall, your extra curriculars in high school will not much matter to colleges within the University of California or the California State University systems. As I advised, you can do anything you want while in high school for extra curriculars, the focus should be on maintaining your wonderful grades in your classes. I also suggested extra curriculars that would hone your communication and leadership skills as those skills will be needed for almost any career. So you are doing great and this is not an issue to focus on.
What you'll need to focus on is your grades right now. If you want to stop softball, stop softball. No one can tell you what to do. In your first inquiry, it did sound like you wanted to stop the sport, so do what you want to do.
Reread my advice from yesterday - California state colleges and universities as well as California private universities DO NOT go by extracurriculars for admissions, rather high GPA and high grades in your high school classes. They only look at extracurriculars if you apply for a scholarship from their college. No SAT scores or essays are required for admissions either. If you are not getting sufficient advice and information about this, please do return and give other details.
Because extracurriculars from high school do not play a role in admissions to California colleges, you can basically do what you want. See yesterday's advice at the link below for specific activities that will sharpen your skills for any career.
What college do you plan to attend ? Yesterday you said a university and you're in California. Do you plan to go to college out of State ? You'll need to specify that or if you'll stay in California for college. Don't worry about not having a major yet - there's time and if needed, you do not need to declare a major when you apply to college. Your good grades are going to take you far, so please do not worry.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice! Also I am kind of leaning toward an out of state college.
Madison
Ooops, sorry. Consider my advice null and void - wish I had known that you meant OUT OF STATE schools ! Have a good day ! (The information still stands true for California Universities, however).
Michelle M.
Updated
marie’s Answer
Hi Madison!
I want to start by empowering you and reminding you, this descision is always up to you in the end!
I also want to applaud you for considering these types of things in only your second year of High School! Impressive!
I have detailed below some benefits to maintaining your four year track with your sport and conversely some benefits to broadening your horizons to help you weigh your options and chose the path that is best suited for you.
Starting with continuing your High School Softball invoolvement, participating in an organized team sport all four years of high school offers numerous benefits that go beyond just physical fitness. Here are some key advantages:
1. **Physical Health**: Regular participation in sports helps improve cardiovascular health, build strength, increase flexibility, and maintain a healthy weight. It also helps prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
2. **Discipline and Time Management**: Being part of a team sport requires commitment, practice schedules, and balancing academics with athletics. This cultivates strong time management skills and teaches discipline, as athletes must prioritize their responsibilities and stay organized.
3. **Teamwork and Collaboration**: Sports foster teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Athletes learn how to work with others towards a common goal, which is a valuable skill in both personal and professional life.
4. **Leadership and Responsibility**: Many student-athletes take on leadership roles, either formally as captains or informally as role models. This builds confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility towards teammates.
5. **Social Connections**: Team sports offer an excellent opportunity to make new friends and form strong social bonds. Being part of a team can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
6. **Mental Toughness and Resilience**: Sports teach athletes how to handle setbacks, losses, and injuries. The process of overcoming challenges fosters resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset.
7. **College and Career Opportunities**: Participating in sports can help with college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, it can open doors for potential career paths in sports-related fields, coaching, or physical therapy.
8. **Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence**: Achieving personal and team goals boosts self-esteem. Overcoming challenges, improving performance, and contributing to a team’s success can significantly increase confidence.
9. **Academic Performance**: Many studies show that student-athletes tend to perform better academically. The structure and focus required for sports can translate into better concentration, study habits, and academic discipline.
10. **Stress Relief and Mental Health**: Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The focus on physical performance and team support can improve mood and overall mental well-being.
11. **Community Engagement**: Being part of a school sports team connects athletes with their local community, where they can engage in school spirit events, fan support, and even community service opportunities.
Overall, the experience of being part of a team sport throughout high school can help shape a well-rounded individual with physical, mental, and emotional growth that lasts long beyond graduation. You may see how this could ultimately help you determine what core values or interests are most important to you and therefore help you direct your path for continuing education. In addition the benefit of potentailly earning a scholarship to assit in the finacial burden of paying for college!
And lastly, considering other options and broadening your horizons may be intimidating, but getting comfortable being uncomfortable will certainly prepare you for some of life's curveballs! :)
Absolutely! While participating in an organized team sport offers many benefits, there are also advantages to quitting a sport in high school and exploring other electives or interests. Here are some potential benefits of shifting focus:
1. **Exploring New Interests**: High school is a time for self-discovery, and stepping away from a sport gives you the chance to explore other passions. Whether it's arts, music, theater, coding, or a new academic subject, you may discover interests that could influence your career or personal life in ways sports cannot.
2. **Reduced Stress and Pressure**: Team sports can be demanding in terms of practice schedules, competition, and performance expectations. Quitting a sport may provide relief from that pressure, allowing you to focus on academics or hobbies without the added stress of balancing sports commitments.
3. **Improved Academic Focus**: Without the time commitments of practices and games, you may have more time to devote to your studies. This extra time could improve your grades, allow for deeper exploration of academic subjects, or help you prepare for college entrance exams.
4. **More Time for Personal Development**: If you’re not committed to a team sport, you have more free time to work on personal growth—whether it’s self-care, reading, learning new skills, or just relaxing. This time could help you build a stronger sense of who you are outside of sports.
5. **Pursuing a Variety of Electives**: High school electives can be a great way to try out different fields. Without a sport, you could take more creative or technical electives—like music, art, theater, or computer science—that allow you to develop new skills or hobbies that you wouldn’t have had time for otherwise.
6. **Building New Friendships**: While sports can create close friendships, other clubs or activities might introduce you to new people and diverse social groups. Whether it's a drama club, band, or debate team, you'll meet like-minded peers with shared interests.
7. **Fostering Leadership in Other Areas**: Without being focused on sports leadership, you can develop leadership in other areas such as student government, clubs, or community service. These roles can build your resume and help you learn valuable skills like public speaking, organization, and teamwork in different contexts.
8. **Exploring Career Interests**: If you're leaning toward a career in a different field, stepping away from sports can provide opportunities to pursue internships, job shadowing, or other extracurriculars that align more closely with your future goals. You might discover a passion for a field like journalism, business, or technology.
9. **More Flexibility and Autonomy**: Without the rigid schedule that comes with a sport, you may have more flexibility in how you structure your time. You could engage in independent learning, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects that offer a sense of autonomy and self-direction.
10. **Improved Mental Health**: For some, sports can be a source of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Quitting a sport to pursue other interests that align with your passions might improve your overall well-being, providing a better work-life balance and a healthier approach to your high school experience.
11. **Building a Diverse Skill Set**: Opting for electives or other pursuits can help you develop a wide variety of skills beyond physical fitness, including creativity, problem-solving, technical skills, and communication abilities, all of which are valuable in different aspects of life and career.
12. **Taking Care of Your Body**: If you feel burnt out or your body is taking a toll from the physical demands of a sport, quitting may provide an opportunity to recover and focus on your long-term health. You can still stay active, but in a way that feels better and more sustainable for you.
Ultimately, quitting a sport isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision, and it can open up doors to personal growth in different areas of life. It’s important to follow your own passions and interests while balancing your well-being and future goals.
I think you win either way as long as you have the discipline to stay forcused on our goals to really see whichever route, to it's full potential :)
Best of luck to you !!
I want to start by empowering you and reminding you, this descision is always up to you in the end!
I also want to applaud you for considering these types of things in only your second year of High School! Impressive!
I have detailed below some benefits to maintaining your four year track with your sport and conversely some benefits to broadening your horizons to help you weigh your options and chose the path that is best suited for you.
Starting with continuing your High School Softball invoolvement, participating in an organized team sport all four years of high school offers numerous benefits that go beyond just physical fitness. Here are some key advantages:
1. **Physical Health**: Regular participation in sports helps improve cardiovascular health, build strength, increase flexibility, and maintain a healthy weight. It also helps prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
2. **Discipline and Time Management**: Being part of a team sport requires commitment, practice schedules, and balancing academics with athletics. This cultivates strong time management skills and teaches discipline, as athletes must prioritize their responsibilities and stay organized.
3. **Teamwork and Collaboration**: Sports foster teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Athletes learn how to work with others towards a common goal, which is a valuable skill in both personal and professional life.
4. **Leadership and Responsibility**: Many student-athletes take on leadership roles, either formally as captains or informally as role models. This builds confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility towards teammates.
5. **Social Connections**: Team sports offer an excellent opportunity to make new friends and form strong social bonds. Being part of a team can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
6. **Mental Toughness and Resilience**: Sports teach athletes how to handle setbacks, losses, and injuries. The process of overcoming challenges fosters resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset.
7. **College and Career Opportunities**: Participating in sports can help with college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, it can open doors for potential career paths in sports-related fields, coaching, or physical therapy.
8. **Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence**: Achieving personal and team goals boosts self-esteem. Overcoming challenges, improving performance, and contributing to a team’s success can significantly increase confidence.
9. **Academic Performance**: Many studies show that student-athletes tend to perform better academically. The structure and focus required for sports can translate into better concentration, study habits, and academic discipline.
10. **Stress Relief and Mental Health**: Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The focus on physical performance and team support can improve mood and overall mental well-being.
11. **Community Engagement**: Being part of a school sports team connects athletes with their local community, where they can engage in school spirit events, fan support, and even community service opportunities.
Overall, the experience of being part of a team sport throughout high school can help shape a well-rounded individual with physical, mental, and emotional growth that lasts long beyond graduation. You may see how this could ultimately help you determine what core values or interests are most important to you and therefore help you direct your path for continuing education. In addition the benefit of potentailly earning a scholarship to assit in the finacial burden of paying for college!
And lastly, considering other options and broadening your horizons may be intimidating, but getting comfortable being uncomfortable will certainly prepare you for some of life's curveballs! :)
Absolutely! While participating in an organized team sport offers many benefits, there are also advantages to quitting a sport in high school and exploring other electives or interests. Here are some potential benefits of shifting focus:
1. **Exploring New Interests**: High school is a time for self-discovery, and stepping away from a sport gives you the chance to explore other passions. Whether it's arts, music, theater, coding, or a new academic subject, you may discover interests that could influence your career or personal life in ways sports cannot.
2. **Reduced Stress and Pressure**: Team sports can be demanding in terms of practice schedules, competition, and performance expectations. Quitting a sport may provide relief from that pressure, allowing you to focus on academics or hobbies without the added stress of balancing sports commitments.
3. **Improved Academic Focus**: Without the time commitments of practices and games, you may have more time to devote to your studies. This extra time could improve your grades, allow for deeper exploration of academic subjects, or help you prepare for college entrance exams.
4. **More Time for Personal Development**: If you’re not committed to a team sport, you have more free time to work on personal growth—whether it’s self-care, reading, learning new skills, or just relaxing. This time could help you build a stronger sense of who you are outside of sports.
5. **Pursuing a Variety of Electives**: High school electives can be a great way to try out different fields. Without a sport, you could take more creative or technical electives—like music, art, theater, or computer science—that allow you to develop new skills or hobbies that you wouldn’t have had time for otherwise.
6. **Building New Friendships**: While sports can create close friendships, other clubs or activities might introduce you to new people and diverse social groups. Whether it's a drama club, band, or debate team, you'll meet like-minded peers with shared interests.
7. **Fostering Leadership in Other Areas**: Without being focused on sports leadership, you can develop leadership in other areas such as student government, clubs, or community service. These roles can build your resume and help you learn valuable skills like public speaking, organization, and teamwork in different contexts.
8. **Exploring Career Interests**: If you're leaning toward a career in a different field, stepping away from sports can provide opportunities to pursue internships, job shadowing, or other extracurriculars that align more closely with your future goals. You might discover a passion for a field like journalism, business, or technology.
9. **More Flexibility and Autonomy**: Without the rigid schedule that comes with a sport, you may have more flexibility in how you structure your time. You could engage in independent learning, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects that offer a sense of autonomy and self-direction.
10. **Improved Mental Health**: For some, sports can be a source of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Quitting a sport to pursue other interests that align with your passions might improve your overall well-being, providing a better work-life balance and a healthier approach to your high school experience.
11. **Building a Diverse Skill Set**: Opting for electives or other pursuits can help you develop a wide variety of skills beyond physical fitness, including creativity, problem-solving, technical skills, and communication abilities, all of which are valuable in different aspects of life and career.
12. **Taking Care of Your Body**: If you feel burnt out or your body is taking a toll from the physical demands of a sport, quitting may provide an opportunity to recover and focus on your long-term health. You can still stay active, but in a way that feels better and more sustainable for you.
Ultimately, quitting a sport isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision, and it can open up doors to personal growth in different areas of life. It’s important to follow your own passions and interests while balancing your well-being and future goals.
I think you win either way as long as you have the discipline to stay forcused on our goals to really see whichever route, to it's full potential :)
Best of luck to you !!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Madison,
I can see why you’re struggling with this decision. You’ve been playing softball for five years, so it’s natural to worry about missing it if you quit. At the same time, if you’ve been thinking about stopping for a while and feel like you’d be less stressed and even happier without it, that’s something to seriously consider.
Since you’re not planning to play in college, keeping softball just for the sake of it isn’t necessary. Colleges like to see commitment, but what really matters is how you spend your time doing things that are meaningful to you. If quitting gives you the chance to explore other activities that might help you figure out what you enjoy and what you want to study in the future, that could be a great move.
If you do quit, you might want to replace it with something that helps you discover your interests. Maybe that’s joining a club, volunteering, job shadowing, or trying a new hobby. If you like teamwork and leadership, something like student government or a community service group could be a good fit. If you enjoy writing, maybe the school newspaper. If you’re more into hands-on work, you could explore STEM or art clubs. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now, this is the perfect time to explore.
On the other hand, if you’re worried you’ll regret quitting, you could also look for ways to stay involved without the same time commitment, like helping younger players or playing for fun outside of school.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you want. If you still love playing, keep going. If it feels more like an obligation than something you enjoy, it’s okay to move on. Either way, you’re thinking about your future and making smart choices, which is what really matters.
Best wishes!
I can see why you’re struggling with this decision. You’ve been playing softball for five years, so it’s natural to worry about missing it if you quit. At the same time, if you’ve been thinking about stopping for a while and feel like you’d be less stressed and even happier without it, that’s something to seriously consider.
Since you’re not planning to play in college, keeping softball just for the sake of it isn’t necessary. Colleges like to see commitment, but what really matters is how you spend your time doing things that are meaningful to you. If quitting gives you the chance to explore other activities that might help you figure out what you enjoy and what you want to study in the future, that could be a great move.
If you do quit, you might want to replace it with something that helps you discover your interests. Maybe that’s joining a club, volunteering, job shadowing, or trying a new hobby. If you like teamwork and leadership, something like student government or a community service group could be a good fit. If you enjoy writing, maybe the school newspaper. If you’re more into hands-on work, you could explore STEM or art clubs. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now, this is the perfect time to explore.
On the other hand, if you’re worried you’ll regret quitting, you could also look for ways to stay involved without the same time commitment, like helping younger players or playing for fun outside of school.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you want. If you still love playing, keep going. If it feels more like an obligation than something you enjoy, it’s okay to move on. Either way, you’re thinking about your future and making smart choices, which is what really matters.
Best wishes!
Updated
Ach’s Answer
If you’ve been wanting to quit for a while, then just quit. College admissions don’t care if you played softball for four years unless you’re being recruited. Adding another class won’t make much of a difference either. Just do whatever.
Updated
Milagros A’s Answer
Just a few years ago, I was in the same position. Up to my sophomore year, I was a student-athlete, but just like you, I knew that junior year would be a busy year with classes and as many extracurriculars as possible.
I decided to pursue my education 100% because I knew that I would not want to play soccer or volleyball after high school. After making that decision, I sometimes missed the student-athlete lifestyle, but doing so allowed me to join multiple clubs and be less stressed.
However, whatever decision you make, prioritize your mental health and education, especially if softball isn't something you do not want to pursue after high school. Also, if you drop softball, ensure your work ethic remains strong. You will have a lot more free time, and maximizing that free time will be essential to your success, especially with the extra class you'll be taking.
I hope this helped! And remember, whatever you end up deciding, things will work out!
I decided to pursue my education 100% because I knew that I would not want to play soccer or volleyball after high school. After making that decision, I sometimes missed the student-athlete lifestyle, but doing so allowed me to join multiple clubs and be less stressed.
However, whatever decision you make, prioritize your mental health and education, especially if softball isn't something you do not want to pursue after high school. Also, if you drop softball, ensure your work ethic remains strong. You will have a lot more free time, and maximizing that free time will be essential to your success, especially with the extra class you'll be taking.
I hope this helped! And remember, whatever you end up deciding, things will work out!