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Explore this site with your teens. Here’s how.  |
I’m a Good Athlete.
I Want to Turn Pro
If you have a chance to become a professional athlete, great!
However, also be realistic. Take this quick quiz*:
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| 1. Of all the high-school athletes in the United States, what percentage go on to become college athletes? |
A. Less than 50 percent
B. Less than 15 percent
C. Less than 5 percent
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| 2. What percentage of college athletes turn pro |
A. Less than 3 percent
B. Less than 10 percent
C. Less than 25 percent
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(Answers: 1. C—less than 5 percent go on to become college athletes. That’s five out of 100 high-school athletes!); 2. A—fewer than 3 percent of college athletes turn pro. In other words, for every 100 college athletes, only three go on to pro sports.)
*Source: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Maybe you’ll be one of these few lucky athletes. But just in case you don’t make it, wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a back-up plan, like college and a career?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Ask your coach what your chances are of turning pro.
- Also ask your coach (and your guidance counselor), what your chances are of getting an athletic scholarship to college. If they think you have a good chance, ask them to help you find a school and write letters of recommendation.
- Talk to your coach and your guidance counselor about other things you can do with your athletic ability after you finish high school, such as volunteering to help younger kids in your sport, or finding a job in sports news, sports health, or sports administration. Or maybe you’ll study to become a teacher and coach yourself!
- Also remember, many employers say that athletes make great employees because they’ve learned about dedication, teamwork, and decision-making. You really can’t lose when you’re a good athlete!
To learn more about athletics and college, visit the Web site of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) at www.ncaa.org. Click on “Student-Athletes and Parents” and look for “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.”
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