This is the third episode in our series on youth sports. In this episode, we open up about the whirlwind journey of watching our son transition from high school athlete to college athlete and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
We talk candidly about what it means to parent a student-athlete at the college level—managing academics, sports, and the business side of today’s evolving collegiate landscape. NIL deals, scholarships, coaching changes, and the transfer portal have redefined what it means to "commit" to a program. We share our family’s real-life experiences through those changes, including hard decisions, setbacks, and moments of growth.
This episode dives into seven core lessons we’ve learned, including:
The emotional and mental transition from child to adultWhy academics should remain the top priority—even in the face of athletic opportunityThe importance of flexibility and resilience when everything changes unexpectedlyWhy trust, honesty, and discernment are crucial during recruitmentThe need to stay grounded in your community and give backHow relationships and reputation can make or break future opportunitiesAnd above all, recognizing the privilege and responsibility of playing at this levelWhether you're just beginning this journey with your athlete or you're in the thick of it, we hope this conversation gives you encouragement, insight, and maybe even a little peace of mind. We’re learning as we go, and we’re grateful to walk this road alongside you.