5 Reasons Why You Should Play College Sports in the US
Student-athlete Mathias Jørstad explains the benefits of US college sports
Do you want to practice your sport while studying at university? In the US, you can play college sports and earn your degree at the same time. But studying in the United States offers much more than that. Here are 5 reasons why you should play college sports, shared by our soccer player Mathias Jørstad.
Mathias is a midfielder from Norway who moved to the U.S. to study and play soccer at university level. Thanks to the guidance of Keystone Sports, he secured a sport scholarship that helped finance his studies.
In this article, Mathias shares 5 reasons why playing college sports in the US can boost your career.
1. New People, New Perspectives
The most valuable aspect of going abroad to play college soccer is the connections you make. I grew so much as a person by meeting people from other cultures and getting to know them better. I can honestly say that some of the friendships I built abroad will truly last.
When you meet someone, you get new insights and inputs that could develop better ideas for yourself. Also, it helps you improve your language and social skills. Our generation, which is part of this hard hustle culture, could benefit from speaking and meeting new people more often and looking at the bigger picture.
2. Stepping out of your comfort zone
If nothing changes, nothing changes. Playing college sports will test you in a totally different way than what you are used to. Maybe it’s dealing with a demanding coach, balancing heavy coursework, or facing high expectations on the field. Embrace it, learn from it.
And remember, there’s no shame in saying, “This is not for me,” but you have to give it a solid try first. I think I can speak for many people when I say that this experience will help you grow as a person. The insights you gain and the lessons you learn will make you wiser and better equipped for the challenges ahead.
3. Mastering the Language That Opens Doors
Speaking and writing in English is not only a good skill to have, but it’s now essential. It will make you more attractive in the job market and even help if you decide to start something on your own.
After just a few months in the US, you will already see big improvements. This will also prepare you if you decide to move to another country. When you go abroad to study, you’re building a framework in your mind that you’ll be able to use again and again.
4. Travel the World While Getting Your Education
Some people want to travel; some want to study. Why not do both at the same time? Not only will you get to travel the world, but you will also get a degree on the side, which will fulfill you!
The US college system has a unique way of combining university, sports, and travel opportunities. Use your school breaks, travel to a bigger city, or explore your state. When you are already in the US, it’s pretty easy to get around. Experience new places, try new foods, and see new things; don’t get stuck in old habits and routines (you’ll have plenty of time for that during the week!). When the opportunity arises, go for it.
5. Take Your Training to the Next Level
Overall, it’s clear that athletes in the US are training more often, and more physically. At first, I was skeptical of this, as I had experienced a lot of injuries from overtraining. But when I trained the right way, lifting weights, I noticed the difference. I could feel an increase in performance, my legs got stronger, and so did my upper body. I felt like I had more power and energy to use.
It is also important to remember that when you start to train more physically and more often, you need to rest well, sleep, and take care of your body.
Do You Want to Get a Sports Scholarship in the US?
Playing college sports in the US is more than getting a degree; it’s an experience that helps you grow in your career. As Mathias shares, the student-athlete experience offers many valuable benefits:
- Lifelong connections and friendships from around the world.
- A stronger mindset and confidence to face new challenges.
- The chance to travel and study at the same time.
- A chance to master English and grow your communication skills.
- The opportunity to train like a pro.
At Keystone Sports, we’ve helped over 15,000 student-athletes from around the world secure sports scholarships in the U.S. As Europe’s leading sports placement agency, we’ve built one of the largest networks of colleges and coaches to ensure we match you with the university that’s the perfect fit for you.
Complete our free evaluation today and our experts will get in touch with you shortly.
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