Junior and senior year can be a lot: standardized testing, extracurricular activities and the increased pressure to meet high academic expectations in rigorous classes.
That’s not even the worst of it. On top of all of that is the scary reality of college: essays, admissions and for athletes, commitments.
For junior Gianna Gilstrap, who is committed to playing softball at the Division-I level at Michigan State, the college commitment process can be daunting.
“It was very draining,” she said. “The process was very quick-paced for softball.”
Despite this, she emphasized having a strong support system is crucial to getting through the commitment process.
“I had my family and friends,” Gilstrap said. “They all helped me through it and helped me get where I am.”
Senior Mary Kate Weinrich, who is committed to Johnson County Community College for soccer, also highlighted the importance of a strong support system.
“The commitment process was long but easier for me than for most people,” Weinrich said. “I was looking at a few other colleges before the JCCC coach reached out. I got to know him and the assistant coach and loved them and the environment.”
Weinrich credits much of her success to the people who encouraged her along the way.
“My biggest support system was definitely my family,” Weinrich said. “They’ve been my biggest supporters since day one and wanted me to go wherever I loved, even if it was close or far. My club coach, my club teammates and my high school soccer teammates also supported me, along with my future college coaches.”
While a strong support system can help athletes navigate the recruiting process, the journey itself can look different depending on the sport.
Senior Amelia Hansen, who recently committed to the University of Kansas for pole vault, shared a different experience to the college commitment process.
“I feel like I started my process very late,” Hansen said. “I was originally going to commit to Montana State University, but I found another opportunity at KU.”
Hansen said this sudden change in plans should be normalized among athletes, and that if a certain university doesn’t feel like the right fit, you should go with your gut and make that change.
“I think it’s very normal to make those decisions,” Hansen said. “I’ve seen people decommit and recommit all the time. I don’t think there’s a huge stigma behind it.”
While Hansen illustrates the uncertainty of the college commitment process, junior Grant Westphal detailed another side of the recruiting process: the sudden influx of attention from college coaches.
“It was pretty crazy,” said Westphal, who is committed to play baseball at the University of Texas. “There’s a day when a lot of coaches reach out to you, but I just took the approach of not putting too much pressure on myself and taking the process slowly to find the best decision.”
Like many other athletes, Westphal also said he had a strong support system behind him.
“I had a good group of guys around me,” he said. “These guys have gone through the process, and I’m also learning from my brother as well.”
Although every athlete’s journey looks different, many share similar advice for students beginning the recruiting process.
“Don’t take the process too quickly,” Westphal said. “You really don’t have any pressure except what you place on yourself — go slowly and find the best fit for you.”
Hansen agreed that while the process can feel overwhelming, the outcome makes it worthwhile.
“It’s a very hard process,” Hansen said. “But it’s very rewarding.”
Gilstrap encouraged future athletes to avoid measuring their journeys to others.
“Don’t compare yourself to others,” Gilstrap said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re DI, DII or DIII. What matters is that you’re playing in college, and that’s rare.”
For Weinrich, the most important lesson is following what feels right.
“Go wherever your heart desires, even if it is a small college,” Weinrich said. “There is no shame in playing at a small school when you know you will get playing time and lots of opportunities.”
