Becoming a Rutgers Camden Athlete
Read Time:1 Minute, 58 Second
The growing pressure on high school athletes to reach Division I has raised college recruiting expectations. Many athletes focus only on Division I programs. Coaches say some players overlook realistic and competitive options at Division III schools like Rutgers–Camden.
More high school athletes and their families are making college recruiting a main goal. Many spend time and money on club and travel teams year round, hoping it will lead to a Division I opportunity. A high school basketball coach and Rutgers Camden alumnus shared his experience with student athletes:
“As a high school coach, there are more kids who want to be recruited,” he stated.
Club and travel sports have made recruiting a bigger part of youth sports. Athletes are exposed to higher competition at younger ages. This exposure can help some players, but it can also raise expectations. Division I programs make up only a small number of NCAA athletes.
At Rutgers Camden athletics are part of campus life, building school spirit and bringing students to the university. Division III programs allow athletes to keep playing while focusing on academics. The coach shared that many families do not understand how hard it is to play sports at any NCAA level. Division III athletics are very competitive and require commitment.
“Parents and kids need to keep the goal attainable. Playing for a Division III school like Rutgers Camden is a huge win,” the coach said. “It is competitive. It is a grind.”
Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Because of this, academics and campus life matter more. For some athletes, this works better than Division I because they can focus on their education. They have the option to live on campus or close by with family. There are flexible options to make being a college athlete possible.
Rutgers Camden is a realistic option for athletes who want to compete in the NCAA but may not fit Division I programs. The coach said Rutgers Camden recruits players with strong high school and club experience.
“As a coach, I like to manage expectations and help kids make informed decisions,” he added.
High school coaches help athletes communicate with colleges and with game film, campus visits, and academic requirements. In Division III recruiting, athletes often need to show interest first. Rutgers Camden’s location and academics make it a good option for many students.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
