Without a doubt, one of the most difficult adjustments a new student-athlete will have to make is when he or she arrives at college and realizes they may not be a starter, or may not get much, if any, playing time. Keep in mind that it wasn’t so long ago that the NCAA automatically red-shirted all incoming freshman, which meant even if you were the greatest athlete in the world, you could not play on the varsity team your first year. All that has changed and freshmen are allowed to play varsity. Some are even starters.

There is a pecking order on most varsity teams. Captains lead the way, followed by seniors, upper classmen, and freshmen. For a freshman to come in and take a spot from an upper classman, they would really have to prove their worth. In theory, the morale of any team is very important. All players would have to admit that the incoming freshman or even a sophomore is truly better than the other players who are waiting their turn as a starter.

I always tell the student-athletes that I work with that they have to earn their playing time as well as a starting position. High school recruits beware of any coach who says, "If you come to my program, you will be a starter." This not guaranteed. It’s not in writing when you sign your Letter of Intent, and it’s especially not true if you hear it from an assistant coach, who usually handles much of the recruiting process.

I recently worked with a player who arrived at a D-I program expecting to play, perhaps to even start. As I’ve just mentioned, this was rather unrealistic on his part. He felt he was "better" than some of the players who were on the field. He developed a bad attitude, which was noticed by the coaching staff. He left the school after one semester.

It has also been my observation that players who receive athletic grants usually play more than those who don't.

So how do student-athletes overcome the realization that they are on the bench? Its not easy. Most athletes playing in college were probably starters in high school, team leaders, and outstanding athletes. However, there is a huge difference in college level athletics vs. high school. There’s usually no sharing of positions. The starters are generally full-time players for every game. Most early opportunities involve coming in off the bench. When given this chance, do it well. Always be prepared to contribute and to play, and make the most of the opportunities you are given. These opportunities could potentially lead to a bigger role on the team if you show you can handle the responsibility. Be especially devoted to practice and fitness. Show the coach that you are ready to get in the game.

I remember a story about a backup goalkeeper who was always ready, worked hard in practice, worked with the starting goalkeeper to make him ready, warming him up before every game; a very selfless young man. Well it paid off, as one afternoon the starting goalkeeper missed the bus for an away game. Without hesitation, backup goalkeeper was ready, willing, and able to take on the job and did, and won the position for the remainder of the season.

Again, keep a positive attitude, work well with your coaches and teammates, and be ready. You could be out there sooner than you think.

 Have questions? Ask Pat at soccervol@aol.com.