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3 Tips for Injured Athletes in the Recruiting Process

Deal With Injuries Being a student-athlete is hard work. It takes a lot of dedication, organization, physical and mental strength. Athletes identify themselves with this passion for their sport and how they perform. Their lives revolve around their sport and for many, their happiness rests in their ability to play.

So what happens when an athlete gets injured? Depending on the severity of the injury, it can be pretty devastating. Some injuries are minor, taking them out of play for a couple of weeks. Others can be career-ending which is something that an athlete never wants to hear.

While dealing with an injury can be frustrating and disappointing, athletes still have a chance to come back and play their sport again; even athletes in the middle of the recruiting process.

If you get injured while you are in the process of being recruited, the most important thing for you to remember is to stay calm. Receiving bad news like that can easily freak out any athlete looking to compete in college. You will start to worry that coaches will no longer be interested in you, but all is not lost.

Here are 3 tips to help ensure a less stressful recovery:

Get all the information first

Before you start telling the coaches that you are injured, make sure you have the relevant information first. You will want to get the specific evaluation from the doctor, the severity of the injury, and possible recovery time. If it’s going to take some time before you can get the full story, you can mention to the coach that you have been injured and that you will keep him updated on the final diagnosis. Most college coaches understand that injuries are a part of being an athlete, but be prepared for any kind of response from the coach, especially if it’s a serious injury.

Take Care of Yourself

It is incredibly frustrating being an athlete who is injured and can’t participate in your sport while you recover. But you need to remember to be patient; the best thing you can do for yourself is not push your injury too soon. Make sure you do what you need to get better, and to maintain your eligibility. Just because you can’t play your sport, doesn’t mean you can slack off in school too. You may also experience some mental and emotional stress. If you find yourself becoming distracted, frustrated, or angry, make sure you find someone you can talk to about it.

Keep a Positive Attitude

The hardest thing about being injured will be remaining patient and positive about the process. Not only are you (probably) in physical pain, but you will also experience some mental and emotional stress. You have to remember that injuries are common and need their time to heal. If you have a chance to recover well enough to make it back to your sport, remember how lucky you are and that not all athletes get that chance.

There is a chance that your injury could setback your recruitment. There will still be options for you, even if that means attending a JC while you recover, and then transferring to a 4-year school. Whatever the road may be, just remember that your injury may not be the end of your recruiting process.

If you have more questions about being injured during the recruiting process, leave your questions in the comments below or ask them on our Facebook or Twitter.

Are you ready for the NEXT STEP!