I'm posting here on the forum because it's about the only place where people understand the repercussions of all of the high school decisions when your DS wants to apply to a SA.
Here's my story:
Twin DS boys, high school freshman, both want to serve as military officers and are strong STEM students. DS1 working toward USMA. DS2 working toward USNA. Both are honors students, athletes, student council.
DS1 loves baseball - it's his #1 sport - tryouts were today - he made it.
DS2 loves baseball - but is not as strong of a player. He is a runner - ran varsity cross country, only freshman to earn a varsity letter, and selected All District cross country - he did NOT make baseball.
I'm having one of those moments where I'm just really sad for him. I can tell he's worried because he knows the importance of team sports to USNA (we went to an application forum last year where they talked about it). He's an awesome runner - but he wants to focus on football/baseball because of the team aspect. Unfortunately, that option (for baseball) is closed to him.
I hurt for him, but he's trying to bounce back. He said that he's going to talk to the coach and Monday and say that he's going to improve his skills and try out next year, that he still would like to be a part of the team (to support DS1 & teammates) and ask if he could be Team Manager.
My questions: Should he put this behind him and throw everything he's got into the upcoming track season instead?
Should he run track, but still try managing the baseball team, to show his dedication, work on his skills, and tryout again next year?
17 boys tried out, and the 8 freshmen who made JV are year- round select baseball players (DS1 is one of these). DS2 doesn't play Fall baseball, because it interferes with cross country. He is worried that cross country wouldn't make him as strong of a candidate for USNA as baseball would - but baseball is no longer an option for him this year.
Frustrated, sad, and overwhelmed that what happens so early in high school can impact how strong a candidate a student is as a senior. Argh.
@Laurantwins
I completely feel your pain and wanted to give you my version of the same thing. Freshman year my twin boys both tried out for high school baseball. They have played since they were 3 years old AND all of their friends had played with them through the years. We had just returned from World Series Tournament that summer, so both were ready for tryouts. Same situation, DS1 is just a natural, no effort, star on the field. DS2 worked just as hard but baseball did not come as easy for him. ALL of the friends PLUS DS1 made the team, DS2 DID NOT! Talk about a devastated MOM. I cried for hours. DS2 bounced back and counselor suggested he sign up for high school Theatre....BEST decision EVER!!! DS1 went on to play all 4 years high school football and baseball and is now candidate for USMMA, USNA and USAFA. DS2 went on to play leading roles in every high school production and received academic scholarships AND theater scholarships at top university in our state (War Eagle...hahaha!) He was even offered spot at top NYC Acting School but turned it down for 4 year university. As I type he is in the middle of rehearsals for college Spring production where he has 2nd leading role (beat out many upper classman). My point in this is to say - sometimes the pain is tough to endure as a parent, but they will find their way. When one door closes, let them RUN through the door that opens up.........best wishes to you and your boys!!!! *PS- I know this is off topic from your question about SA sports, but I feel your pain as a mom and wanted to make you feel better....:0)