News & Events

Each year, a large number of Norfolk Academy student-athletes continue their playing careers at the collegiate level, a tribute to both their determination and the preparation they've received along the way.

The Academy's totals - more than 200 committed student-athletes in the past 14 years, including more than 50 in the past three years alone - may make the journey from Bulldog to collegiate athlete seem easy. But it is far from that, as College Counselor Steve Monninger explained during a forum February 4.

Several dozen student-athletes attended the forum, eager to learn about the college recruiting process and what it is like to be a college athlete. Monninger, who coached at the collegiate level before becoming a teacher-coach at Norfolk Academy, detailed what steps student-athletes need to take during their journey. Both a football player and coach at Middlebury College, he also explained what life as a collegiate student-athlete is like.

The odds of making a collegiate team are small, Monninger noted. There are more than 10 million high school athletes in the United States and only about 7 percent play in college. Only about 2 percent play Division I athletics.

With those stats in mind, it is important for athletes to soul search before beginning their journey, Monninger said. They should consider not just whether they want to play in college but also whether they are willing to make the time commitment coaches will expect from them. This involves not just games and practices but training year-round and travel time away from classes. Find a good group of resources: Parents, teachers, coaches, and college counselors, he advised.

After that, be proactive, Monninger said. Fill out online questionnaires and directly email coaches a resume that includes both athletic and academic achievements. Also send videos and make appointments to visit campuses. Demonstrated interest is vital.

Once you find your home, you need to continue to be proactive, Monninger said. There are many benefits to being a collegiate athlete. Of course there is the joy of playing and having a built-in loyal group of friends. Employers also put value on being able to balance athletics and academics at the collegiate level.

There are, however, challenges. The time commitment is intense. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work to thrive at the next level, Monninger told students.

Among his other pointers:

• Find the best fit. Division I is the flashy level that appears most on television. But Norfolk Academy annually sends numerous athletes to Division III schools, which can lead to more playing time and happiness.
   
• Don't go about the journey by yourself. Norfolk Academy teacher-coaches have sent many student-athletes on to college and love to help. Many of them played in college themselves and are happy to share their experiences. College Counselors love guiding athletes through what can be a rigorous process.