Not playing a sport

sound861 said:
I played in high school and was recruited but not offered an appointment. Now I am in my first year of college, still playing the sport I was recruited for but there is not a spot open for this recruiting class. So I will have to to walk on. But I don't know how competitive walking on is and I wanted to see what life is like without a varsity sport.
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Which sport? Some are more competitive than others.
 
CA946 said:
I disagree.
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Your kid has been at the academy for 2 months so not sure how much perspective you can possibly have on this, but there are only 6 club sports at CGA.

www.uscgasports.com

Coast Guard

Coast Guard
www.uscgasports.com

No varsity sports have a corresponding club sport. Therefore, I’m not sure how the club sport could have a more skilled player than the varsity team.
 
I would agree that, despite the fact that overall skill level generally drops quite a bit as you go down the rank from D1, IC athletes typically have higher skill levels than club or intramural athletes. But that doesn't rule out the possibility of having very skilled athletes in club sports that are not offered at the IC level, especially somewhere like USCGA, where the interest in attending that one, specific school outweighs the interest in competing on an IC basis in a certain sport. I could certainly see national level athletes in hockey, rugby, triathlon, etc. attending USCGA instead of a school where they would be varsity members.
 
DTT!FSA! said:
I would agree that, despite the fact that overall skill level generally drops quite a bit as you go down the rank from D1, IC athletes typically have higher skill levels than club or intramural athletes. But that doesn't rule out the possibility of having very skilled athletes in club sports that are not offered at the IC level, especially somewhere like USCGA, where the interest in attending that one, specific school outweighs the interest in competing on an IC basis in a certain sport. I could certainly see national level athletes in hockey, rugby, triathlon, etc. attending USCGA instead of a school where they would be varsity members.
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Of course not, but that wasn’t the claim being made. it’s very difficult to measure the relative athleticism of athletes between different sports, making such a comparison pointless.
 
sound861 said:
Hello,

I wanted to ask about any experience of not playing a sport at USCGA. I would definitely consider walking on, playing club sports and everything like that but what was it like not having a sport throughout the years and also going through SWAB summer without one?
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This thread has gotten a little off topic.

To answer the OP's original question, as @StPaulDad said, the USCGA regs require "points" per semester for athletic activity. This can obviously be met by D3 sports, and as others pointed out there are also a variety of club sports. I believe certain musical activates, cyber club, spinning club and so on are options as well. Some of the "less sporty" options have a lower point value, but you can string a few activities together to meet the requirements.

The emphasis being that while at USCGA you participate preferably in athletic endeavors as through their long history they have found the leadership and teamwork learned and applied on the field reinforced the leadership concepts they teach.

So, yes you can go through the academy "without playing a major sport" and they provide lots of other athletic opportunities to accrue your points. But you must participate in some combination of approved activities to meet the requirement. You will meet others and for social reasons end up tagging along to some club team, etc. and everything will work out fine and you will have a great time.

Don't let the concern of playing D3 sports prevent you from applying, there are options.

Good luck.
 
brewmeist said:
A 1/C that stopped this year was all-conference last year. It had nothing to do with being cut. She was just done. My son would not have been cut. I'm just stating a fact that varsity athletes do stop competing at the varsity level for many reasons.
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I have a real problem with any cadet from any service academy quitting their sport for any reason except for an injury or if they were struggling and needed to concentrate on academics. This quitting on the team shows a lack commitment and makes me question what they will do when things get difficult in the real world
 
sound861 said:
I played in high school and was recruited but not offered an appointment. Now I am in my first year of college, still playing the sport I was recruited for but there is not a spot open for this recruiting class. So I will have to to walk on. But I don't know how competitive walking on is and I wanted to see what life is like without a varsity sport.
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Is your current college a 2-yr or 4-yr? NJCAA, NAIA, or NCAA? D1, D2, or D3? And does your sport have a JV team at this college?
 
Iwutke said:
Is your current college a 2-yr or 4-yr? NJCAA, NAIA, or NCAA? D1, D2, or D3? And does your sport have a JV team at this college?
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I am at a Division 1 college, but playing club, as my level of play is not on par with the Division 1 team. But the club team offers a high level of competition similar to division 2 or 3, such as the CGA. My biggest thing is having a social group and I know it is common to find those on sports teams. But I also love playing my sport and sports in general.
 
Interesting as a club athlete how do you know that your club athletes are equal to CGA recruited athletes? My son is a recruited athlete for CGA and currented attends NAPS with the Navy D1 recruits. All the athletes on the team are at a very high level which is why they were recruited athletes regardless of D1, D2, or D3 as choices depending on team, sports, finances and opportunities. Choosing a school depends on all those different aspects and my son was recruited at multiple levels but chose CGA based on wanting to become a Coast Guard Officer. As to the social aspect of walkons vs recruited athletes all I can say is my son has repeatedly emphasized how the whole team are great guys and tight with each other regardless of skill level, or in the navy or coast guard.. I just think your post about the level of club belittled the level of CGA athletics and might be a bit of a shock to you if you attend and walkon a team in the future. Lol anyway sorry for long post but good luck and hope you achieve your goal!
 
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USMA97 said:
I have a real problem with any cadet from any service academy quitting their sport for any reason except for an injury or if they were struggling and needed to concentrate on academics. This quitting on the team shows a lack commitment and makes me question what they will do when things get difficult in the real world
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I think just the opposite. My son left his team knowing that would then have to take part in parades, go to football games, and other required duties. Instead of eating, sleeping, and studying with his team, he is eating, sleeping, and studying with his company. He tutors 50+ Mids in Physics and Calculus every semester. He helps countless Mids pass their PRT. And then after doing all that, he uses the few minutes he has left evey night to keep straight As in the 19 credits he is taking.

Lack of commitment?
 
USMA97 said:
I have a real problem with any cadet from any service academy quitting their sport for any reason except for an injury or if they were struggling and needed to concentrate on academics. This quitting on the team shows a lack commitment and makes me question what they will do when things get difficult in the real world
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A lot of kids drop off varsity teams at a lot of schools for a lot of reasons. It's not uncommon at all, and throwing out blanket statements about commitment isn't a great look. What if the reason is better than what you can imagine? Life can be pretty creative, and when thrust into a situation many people of integrity can easily see their sport as a secondary priority to something better. Prepping for a Fulbright or hanging on to a sporadic garbage innings role in the bullpen? Taking a regimental role or watching that hot new 4C play all your minutes? Leadership role in religious or service group? Counseling other students? Burned out on a sport you've been playing at a high level since you were 8? Walk a mile in their shoes, my friend.
 
Concur. There are many reasons that someone drops a sport and I don't think it is a choice that is made lightly. One of DC's teammates left as a first class in order to focus on a VERY selective service assignment. That teammate was a top-tier athlete and the loss was felt on the team. However, everyone understood the reason for the resignation. The good news is that the teammate earned the desired spot. But even if the assignment had not been granted, the rationale for the decision would still be justified.

"Walk a mile", indeed.
 
hello! I actually go to the academy and play a sport. First of all, the club sport website is accurate to a point but it neglects to include several clubs that we have that are very informal but still offer competition. we have club soccer and field hockey to name a couple. getting a sports credit can be done through these informal sports or it can be done through clubs like yoga, spin, or cross fit. I do think that playing a sport provides a friend group that you might struggle to find elsewhere, but being in a company and a specific major helps with this too. Also, varsity sports are super demanding and a lot of people suffer academically and mentally from them, and they are not necessary whatsoever to have a successful cadet career.
 
My eldest DS was a varsity athlete. My youngest DS chose cyber team over athletics. At the end of the day, academics is no. 1. Choose something you enjoy and allows you to maintain focus primarily on academics. Developing strong bonds was/is the biggest benefit over the actual activity. There is so little “free time” so choose what brings joy. My sons had/are having a great time with their chosen activities. They both learned/are learning far more than mastery of the actual activity too. Passion over drudgery also makes participation so much more fruitful too.
 
Totally depends on which sport. My son is in talks with the wrestling program there. The varsity wrestling team competes for DIII national titles and is one if not the best varsity teams at the academy. They can compete with a lot of DI wrestling programs and do decent. But other varsity teams a decent athlete can walk on if you're dedicated. Huge disparity depending on the varsity team.
 
CGA wrestling program is outstanding and my son chose to attend there as a wrestler in part due to the great coaching staff. He turned down offers to wrestle at other universities including D1, D2 and D3 schools because of the relationships forged withe coaches. A major reason for this choice was because he wanted the coast guard as a career but also the fact that he has friends on the team who are seniors now who still love wrestling. It's such a grueling sport but the academy still makes it fun and coaches work to make you a better officer not just a great wrestler. Currently he is at NAPs and just wrestled CG for his 1st match last night. and had a alot of fun and he is learning to lock in military and study habits while still making great friends and rediscovered his love for wrestling again. Hope next year my DS will be a teammate with your DS and help build the team!
 
StPaulDad said:
A lot of kids drop off varsity teams at a lot of schools for a lot of reasons. It's not uncommon at all, and throwing out blanket statements about commitment isn't a great look. What if the reason is better than what you can imagine? Life can be pretty creative, and when thrust into a situation many people of integrity can easily see their sport as a secondary priority to something better. Prepping for a Fulbright or hanging on to a sporadic garbage innings role in the bullpen? Taking a regimental role or watching that hot new 4C play all your minutes? Leadership role in religious or service group? Counseling other students? Burned out on a sport you've been playing at a high level since you were 8? Walk a mile in their shoes, my friend.
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This hit home - “Burned out on a sport you’ve been playing at a high level since you were 8?”… our DS is being recruited for swimming (at a different SA)…it’s one of those sports which they must practice/compete basically year round, which he started at age 7. My head hurts when I do the math on that one. I have no idea when he’ll hang up his goggles but I know if he attends a SA, it’s because he is committed to serve his country. Most of these athletes could play/swim at so many other non-SAs, yet they are choosing this route. The application process alone shows that commitment 😬….
 
There’s a lot of club options! Like others have said some sports are more intense than others and the skill level will ebb and flow from year to year depending on many variables. If you still want to play the sport you’ve always played by all means attend coaches hours during swab summer and see if that’s a good fit. Also once you have an appointment you may want to reach out to said coach let them know you’re coming and interested and update them on your recent play level etc. depending on the sport be prepared that there may not be a spot and think through other things you may enjoy. For our swab we really encouraged her to do something she thought would bring her joy, so she decided to try something she’d never done and thus far it’s been great for her (class of 2026 so only a few months in) there’s alot of ways you will find your people at the academy sports are a fraction of that . Good luck to you
 
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