Students and parents gathered in Lancer Arena Thurs., Oct. 8, to hear “The realities of College Recruiting” seminar led by David Batzer.  He emphasized the importance of academics in high school and gave the crowd a reality check on their chances of playing at the next level. Of the nearly 8 million high school athletes, only 10% will realize their dream of playing in college.  And of this 10%, only 2% will play division one.

“The truth is, for many high school athletes, this will be the last time they get the opportunity to play their sport,” Batzer said.

Many students found the seminar very informative about the college recruiting process.

“I definitely have a better sense of what I want for college,” junior Sam Schneider said.

While playing division one is highly sought after among high school athletes, the day-to-day life of a division one athlete is far from glamorous.

“You’re going to wake up in the morning, you’re going to go workout, you are going to have breakfast, then you are going to go to class,” Batzer said. “You get out of class, you’re going to go to practice or a game, then you’re going to go to study hall. When you get out of study hall you are going to go to bed. Tomorrow when you get up in the morning, you are going to do the same thing all over again.”

Playing at an athletically-prestigious school at the division one level may not be the right fit for everyone, due to the busy schedule.

“If you want a little bit more balance between the enjoyment of your college experience and your athletics, you might want to think about division two or three,” Batzer said.

Playing division two or three gives athletes who are not headed to the professional level a chance to play collegiately without having their college experience dominated by sports.

“I always say, give yourself that opportunity to compete and enjoy yourself,” Batzer said.

Many high school athletes focus only on their sport and lose track of the intended purpose of school: academics.

“Grades are the one thing that athletes have complete control over that will absolutely maximize or minimize their opportunity to get into college,” Batzer said.

College coaches see good grades as good work ethic and therefore an athlete is likely to get results for their college.

“The majority of kids who are getting recruited are also excellent students,” Batzer said.

Students often feel pressure to choose the most well-known school, however, Batzer gives students different advice.

“There is no right or wrong,” Batzer said. “It’s what’s right for you.”