Gregory Michael Steinberg of Austin, Texas, knows many picture Division 1 athletes as superstars that grace the cover of magazines and have their highlights played on ESPN’s Sportscenter. While this may be true of the top college quarterbacks, Gregory Michael Steinberg of Austin, Texas, knows that the life of a typical Division 1 athlete is far from glamorous. Today, Gregory Michael Steinberg will examine some of the highs and lows that come with Division 1 athletics.
The benefits of Division 1 athletics are varied, explains Gregory Michael Steinberg of Austin, Texas. Most Division 1 athletes are part of a college scholarship program. Having part or all of your college tuition covered is a massive relief for countless athletes. However, the money that is covered is far from a gift. Athletes must earn scholarships by dedicating hours and hours to their sport while maintaining a solid grade point average. The balancing act of classes and sports is a tricky one. Division 1 athletes must have exceptional time management skills and be willing to make sacrifices. While other college students may be able to head out to a party on a Saturday night, Division 1 athletes will often need to leverage that time to study or watch the film of their opponent before their next game.
Division 1 athletics come with plenty of highs and lows. Teams across the country have begun dedicating more resources to mental health support. Gregory Michael Steinberg of Austin, Texas, commends athletic programs for recognizing that it is stressful for students between 18-22 to balance their responsibilities on and off the field. The transition to college is difficult without having to play a sport. The transition to college life is much more complicated with the added responsibility of athletics. Division 1 athletes need to be able to rise to the demands of their coaches and teachers alike. Having the ability to stay focused on the task at hand is invaluable. Gregory Michael Steinberg believes athletes who can stay in the moment and tackle one task at a time will perform better in the classroom and on the field. All Division 1 athletes should take advantage of the support provided to them by their respective universities.
Scholarships may be the most significant financial benefit for college athletes. Still, Gregory Michael Steinberg would say that the opportunity to continue competitively playing a sport you love is the greatest gift of all. Just as people assume Division 1 athletes are celebrities who can bask in the fame of the national spotlight, most also believe that these athletes will go on to play their sport of choice professionally. The truth is that more than 98 percent of Division 1 athletes will run their last race of play in their last competitive game at the conclusion of their college careers. Division 1 athletes understand that the majority of their teammates in high school had to deal with this reality four years prior. The opportunity to extend a career is a blessing. While most sports can be played at the local level later in life, nothing will match the competition level of Division 1 athletics.
When a college career comes to an end, it can be devastating. Gregory Michael Steinberg notes that many Division 1 athletes struggle with losing their identity at the end of their collegiate career. Those who have a Division 1 athlete in their lives should be aware of the struggles that come from the ending of such an important chapter in their friend or family member’s life. Division 1 athletes should explore other passions and commit themselves to their studies and future careers to fill the void that will come from athletic retirement. While it can be challenging to prepare for the end of an important chapter, athletes should know that the end of their careers is just the start of the next phase of life.
