You get the call, your years of blood, sweat, and tears have finally paid off. You’ve been invited to play your sport at the college of your dreams. But you still have one more high school season to play. Around 90% of student athletes reported sports-related injuries last year. Almost 32% of competitive athletes suffer a career ending injury. How will you make it through your last high school season(s)? 

     The most dangerous high school sports include football, soccer, lacrosse, competitive cheerleading, and basketball. Some common injuries in student athletes include sprains, tears, concussions and fractures. In extreme cases, some complications may lead to hospitalization. 

     When an athlete commits to playing with a university, they agree to compete for a whole school year or two full time semesters at the institution. In return the college promises to assist with financial aid or an athletic scholarship. Part of the commitment process is the National Letter of Intent. It is a contract signed by the athlete and the prospective college ensuring promised time and benefits respectively. 

     The commitment of attending a college for sports is mentally taxing, as the possibility of a late injury could jeopardize one’s future. However, most schools plan for this in advance. When asked about the possibility of losing her commitment to Virginia Tech due to an injury, Senior Annika Rohs responded, “I don’t think Tech has done anything like that. They’re pretty loyal to the people that they recruit and understanding of injuries.”

     According to the NCAA, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, around 65 autonomous schools have pledged to get rid of the possibility of scholarship revocation due to injury or athletic performance since 2015. Aspiring college athletes can find these policies on the school’s website, contract, or by contacting an admissions assistant.

     Senior Jenna Steadman’s commitment to the University of Mary Washington came before her final season of basketball. In order to prevent the possibility of revocation, should Woodgrove take extra steps to ensure she remains safe? Steadman expressed her thoughts by stating, “The high school should treat all students the same regarding injury even if they are committed to a college or not.”

     Committed athletes should not be too afraid, as many colleges value them immensely and are willing to be there should they sustain an injury. However, maintaining good communication is key in keeping that interest.