i was told that varsity sports are really great for the USNA academy due to a lot of physical work and commitment. is this true? i was only in Cheer JV. Also, I was placed in Lacrosse JV, but I had to quit due to personal issues.
oh wow, okay. It's tough to get into varsity sports though, because I have never been the sport type. My only two options are Cheer and Golf which are really easy to get into.Class of 2020's facts listed 92% varsity athletes and 72% team captains. I wouldn't want to be outside that statistic if at all possible.
Thank you so much!Check out this list of USNA Admissions Forums and see if you live near one. Find out where to go, listen to the speaker, and ask questions. I would say that the service academies expect you to be the "sport type". You can find out more at one of these talks.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/usna-admissions-forums.50396/#post-500094
Then decide which one sounds more appealing to you!oh wow, okay. It's tough to get into varsity sports though, because I have never been the sport type. My only two options are Cheer and Golf which are really easy to get into.
Thanks, that really pushes me. I totally understand now."oh wow, okay. It's tough to get into varsity sports though, because I have never been the sport type...."
Does this give you any concern in light of the numbers above ...92% varsity atheletes, 72% team captains ? Why do you want to attend USNA ? DO you think you will fit in with this demographic ? I can assure you, regardless of whether varsity sport, club sport, or just intramurals, athletics is a integral part of the program. Don't want to discourage you, but you should know what you are looking to get into.
How would I start a conversation with my BGO? How do I email him?My son had his BGO this past Sunday, my son is the same, not sporty just got into Lacrosse Junior year.
I explained my concern, honestly because of this forum, and he said that yes there are athletes, but that if someone shows leadership in other areas, and of course is physically fit, they are competitive also.
Being a Varsity athlete doesn't make you a good leader, it shows you can work as a team, and just because you were Varsity doesn't mean you got play time so it doesn't really show teamwork either. And just because you aren't an athlete doesn't mean you don't have a reason to attend the Academy.
I would suggest you speak with your BGO about your concerns. Do your best to excel in those other areas of academics, testing, Volunteering, and work out to stay fit.
Thank you so much.OP, it's not just sports at USNA. It's an expectation you will live a physically active, regular hard exercise type of life. That's the norm in military service and becomes a lifelong habit. Military service is physically demanding: long hours in rough conditions, endless hours standing, periods of little sleep, carrying heavy gear, pulling G's as pilots. The military needs people who know how to stay strong and fit, and to push the limits of endurance.
Pick your sport from what you mentioned above, but if you are not currently a runner and doing strength training, you should start.
As always, I recommend reading every drop down, every link, on USNA.edu Admissions, so you are clear on wanting to serve at least 5 years in some part of the Navy or Marine Corps. If you can see yourself doing that, then figure out the steps to become competitive for USNA or NROTC.
can i just email my BGO directly?If you are currently a candidate, you will be assigned a BGO, and they should be contacting you. However, if you are not a junior/senior yet, you may have to reach out to USNA Candidate Guidance Office and find out who the Area Coordinator is for your location, reach out to him/her and they will get a BGO in touch with you. (I think the AC is identified on the USNA website ).
thanks! i read it all, it was very helpful...although i do have a question:Lots of good advice here, I also recommend checking out the sticky on sports in the USAFA forum
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/Sports,-and-your-academy-application.44076/
Great to hear haha!My DD is c/o 2019. She did not have any varsity sports in high school. She did do tae kwon do to the red belt level. She did not get in straight out of high school, but when she went to college, she took up club rugby. She was not a captain or club officer. She re-applied and was appointed. Then we sat there and chewed our knuckles hoping she wouldn't break anything before I-Day.