If you’re a multi-sport athlete, you may be wondering if you can keep playing both of your sports in college. In this post, we’ll go over everything to know about if you can play two sports in college.
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A college education is like getting new wings. You can pursue your passions, make friends, study what you’re interested in, and of course, take part in sports.
These days, college sports range from football, volleyball, swimming, basketball, and more, making students wonder if participating in more than one would be beneficial.
That said, can you play two sports in college? Here’s what you should consider.
Do Colleges Allow You To Play Two Sports?
Any college or institution that takes part in intercollegiate athletic events consents to abide by the firm rules set out by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).
These guidelines cover both what recruiters may do to locate new players and how students can dress when participating in sports.
And with that said, there is no rule against participating in multiple sports in college.
However, due to time and physical constraints, it is not possible to participate in multiple sports within the same season.
For example, if Baseball and Lacrosse both take place during the Spring season, you will have to choose one of the two sports to participate in. But you would still be able to take part in the Fall cross country team.
It’s also important to keep in mind that just because your college will allow you to play two sports, that doesn’t mean your coach will be okay with it.
If you’re the start quarterback of the football team, your coach probably won’t want you to risk getting injured while playing tennis in the off-season.
The Pros Of Playing Two Sports In College
The benefits of engaging in college activities and programs, particularly in sports, are well documented.
Millions of college students participate in either single or multiple sports, and most are more self-disciplined and confident.
Still, while playing one sport has many benefits, let’s examine four of the known benefits of playing two sports in college.
1. Avoid muscle fatigue and overuse and improve focus
Coordination and muscular control may be enhanced by playing two sports.
A variety of motions, as seen in different sports, may assist growing athletes in achieving the necessary abilities as well as aid seasoned athletes retain their concentration, endurance, and muscle memory.
Long-term repetitive use of the same muscles might result in significant damage.
Players put different muscles under stress during training by participating in various sports. As a result, athletes’ overall strength and fitness are improved by participating in several sports.
2. Keep you in shape throughout the seasons
Another benefit of participating in two sports is that it keeps players in shape throughout the year.
By staying active in other activities, the athlete is unlikely to get out of shape before the following seasonal sport returns.
However, competing in two sports in the same season is not recommended.
3. Grow your social group
Adding another sport is a great social tool that can draw more people together and foster a more incredible community feeling.
While adding another sport may take time away from socializing outside of college, if the second sport is your passion, you are more likely to connect with other enthusiastic players, motivate each other, and maintain interest.
4. Gain experience in different positions
Being a starting pitcher on a baseball team is very different than being a bench player on a basketball squad. First, it’s a chance to increase your social and developmental horizons.
Following that, It’s a chance to improve as a competitor and all-around athlete—the sort coaches love because they’re adaptable, multifaceted, exposed to various circumstances, and coachable.
The Cons Of Playing Two Sports In College
While there are various advantages to playing two sports, there are just as many disadvantages and risks.
In addition, time is a critical aspect for college students and the discipline to manage time.
With that in mind, let’s look at some disadvantages of playing two sports in college.
1. Risk of Injuries
Participating in sports and receiving injuries is not uncommon. However, multi-sport athletes are more susceptible to injury than those who only participate in one sport.
They can range from sprains and pulls of the muscles to fractures of the bones, which could force athletes to discontinue both sports.
2. It may be too risky for some coaches
Each team is expected to be successful in collegiate athletics, mainly if the sport generates revenue. As with baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and other sports, the team is the coach’s top priority.
In more professional fields, the coach sees each athlete as a valuable asset towards victory, and often it’s not likely they would risk you being injured from another sport.
3. Time management
Playing two sports in college can take a lot of time, leaving you with less time for non-sporting pursuits.
Although it is possible to socialize with other team members, other friends and relatives may ultimately wish to get in touch with you.
Additionally, collegiate athletics demands a significant time commitment, which needs to be matched with the other things a student must do to succeed, such as study, attend classes, work, eat, and sleep.
4. Gear expenses
Depending on the sport, playing two or more sports in college comes with many expenditures.
If you are not financially supported by family, a guardian, or sponsorship, you would need to find the time to work and put much financial effort into the new sport.
And with time being a crucial factor, this may prove challenging.
Do Colleges Like Multi-sport Athletes?
Multi-sport athletes are highly sought after by college coaches despite the many advantages and disadvantages of playing two sports.
Playing two sports in high school has practically become the norm. Therefore, finding an athlete who participates in numerous sports and excels in them is a huge plus for most college coaches.
Future coaches will typically be able to see the athletes’ overall athletic prowess, competitive spirit, and commitment to strenuous effort.
Being a two-sport athlete is, therefore, advantageous in the recruitment process. Here’s why:
- Multi-sport players learn different coaching philosophies and develop their listening and observational abilities. As a result, they develop into balanced, coachable athletes.
- The one-sport athlete who spent their early years perfecting the skill of a single sport has exhausted developing their general athleticism. Although college coaches know it is harder to build athleticism later in life, they want athletes to continue improving their technique. That is where multi-sport athletes emanate a favorable choice.
- Coaches like athletes who are always thinking competitively, pushing themselves to be the best and become better every chance they have. Coaches understand critical thinking is essential for success on and off the playing field, so they advocate for playing multiple sports.
- College coaches believe that multi-sport athletes have a smoother transition into other positions and can become effective, versatile players on the field.
Final Thoughts
Although multi-sport college students require extensive training and plenty of preparation, participating in more than one sport is possible and comes with its own benefits.
So even though it is possible to play two sports in different seasons, know that time management plays a vital role in studying, attending class, socializing, sleeping, and other college needs.
This post was all about whether or not you can play two sports in college. Hopefully this gave you all of the answers about what it takes to be a multi-sport college athlete.
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