The Psychology of Ivy League Track and Field Recruitment
-
00:02 Introduction to College Choices and Track & Field
00:27 Understanding Your Level in Track & Field
01:35 The Big Fish in a Little Pond Scenario
03:20 The Little Fish in a Big Pond Scenario
05:10 Finding Your Sweet Spot: The Medium Fish in a Medium Pond
05:38 The Importance of Training Partners and Finding the Right Fit
06:49 Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Athletic Career
After coaching in the Ivy League for 7 years, and competing as an Ivy League Track & Field athlete, I am excited to democratize this information that would otherwise only be accessible to those who can afford a private consultant. While I can’t boost your GPA or help with your SAT score, I can share everything I learned about the admissions process for athletes. We are giving this information away for free, but if you would like to support the project you can donate here. Either way, I hope this info helps you find your way onto an Ivy League Track & Field team. We hope to see you at our clinic!
Choosing a college is a significant decision for any student, but for athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, the process takes on an added layer of complexity. Beyond academics and campus life, athletes must consider the athletic program’s level and how they will fit within the team dynamic. This article delves into the psychological aspects of college track and field recruiting, exploring the concept of finding the “right pond” for your “fish” – a metaphor for determining the optimal competitive environment for individual athletes.
Often, athletes find themselves eligible for a range of different college programs. A highly recruited athlete might have offers from top-tier Division I schools, but could also choose to compete at the Division II or even Division III level. Conversely, an athlete with more modest personal bests might still aspire to compete at a higher level than their current performance suggests. This range of possibilities necessitates a crucial self-assessment: Where will I truly thrive?
The key concept explored here is the idea of being a “big fish in a little pond,” a “little fish in a big pond,” or a “medium fish in a medium pond.” Each of these scenarios presents unique advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for making an informed college decision.
The Big Fish in a Little Pond
This scenario describes a highly talented athlete choosing to compete at a lower level than their abilities might suggest. This could involve a top Division I recruit opting for a mid-tier or lower-tier Division I program, or choosing a Division II or Division III school. Several factors can drive this decision.
One common reason is academic focus. Many Division III schools boast exceptional academic reputations. Institutions like MIT, Amherst, and Williams attract high-achieving student-athletes who prioritize academics alongside athletics. A top-level athlete might choose such a school for its unparalleled programs in a specific field, even if it means competing at a lower athletic level. For instance, an athlete passionate about science might choose MIT over an Ivy League school if they believe MIT offers a superior program in their chosen discipline.
Another motivating factor is the desire for a more balanced college experience. Some athletes may not want the intense, all-consuming commitment required by top-tier Division I programs. Being a “big fish” at a smaller program can offer a less demanding athletic schedule, allowing athletes to pursue other interests, such as double majoring, participating in extracurricular activities, or simply enjoying a more traditional college experience. This also allows for the possibility of being a national champion at the DIII level, which may not be possible at the DI level.
Furthermore, being the top athlete on a team can be beneficial for certain individuals. It can boost confidence, provide leadership opportunities, and foster a sense of accomplishment. This can be especially true for athletes who thrive in a leadership role and benefit from the positive reinforcement of being a key contributor to the team.
Even within Division I, this dynamic can exist. A highly recruited athlete might choose an Ivy League school, prioritizing the prestigious academic reputation and unique college experience while still competing at the Division I level. This represents a “big fish” choosing a “smaller pond” within the larger Division I landscape.
The Little Fish in a Big Pond
This scenario involves an athlete striving to compete at the highest possible level, even if they are not yet performing at the recruiting standards of those programs. This ambition is often fueled by a strong work ethic and a desire to prove oneself. Many athletes express a willingness to work harder and be the most coachable member of the team, hoping to earn a spot on a high-level roster.
While this ambition is admirable, it's essential to consider the realities of this situation. Athletes who are consistently at the bottom of the roster may face challenges with morale, motivation, and development. They may spend a significant amount of time simply trying to avoid being cut from the team, potentially hindering their overall growth as an athlete.
The “Rudy” story, a classic tale of perseverance, is often cited in this context. While Rudy’s determination and eventual brief appearance on the Notre Dame football team are inspiring, it’s important to remember that his experience involved constant struggles and the very real possibility of being cut. This highlights the potential downsides of being a “little fish” in a very competitive environment.
The key question for athletes considering this path is: Are you driven by the challenge of being at the bottom of the roster, constantly fighting for a spot? While some individuals thrive in this environment, it can be detrimental for others. It is important to ask yourself if you will be okay with the possibility of not competing as much as you would like, or potentially being cut from the team.
The Sweet Spot: A Medium Fish in a Medium Pond
The ideal scenario, and the one that experts recommend athletes strive for, is being a “medium fish in a medium pond.” This means finding a program where the athlete’s abilities align well with the team’s competitive level. This provides a balance of challenge and opportunity, fostering both athletic development and a positive team experience.
Being in a program where you are surrounded by training partners of similar ability is crucial, especially in events like distance running. If a highly talented distance runner chooses a program where they significantly outpace their teammates, they may lack the necessary competition and training partners to push them to their full potential. While training with athletes of different genders might be a viable solution in some cases, it’s not always the ideal training environment.
Finding the “right pond” means considering various factors, including the program’s coaching philosophy, team culture, academic offerings, and overall fit. Once an athlete identifies a program that seems like a good fit, they should then explore other programs that are slightly above and below that level in terms of competitiveness. This creates a range of options, from “reach” schools to “safety” schools, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the recruiting process.
A “perfect fit” school is one where the athlete’s abilities closely match the program’s recruiting standards. These are the programs where the athlete is likely to thrive, contributing to the team while also continuing to develop their skills. Exploring schools that are slightly above and below this “perfect fit” provides valuable perspective and ensures that the athlete has a range of options to consider.
Navigating the college recruiting process requires careful consideration of both athletic and personal factors. While ambition and a desire to compete at the highest level are commendable, it’s crucial to be realistic about one’s abilities and find a program where they can truly thrive. The “big fish, little pond,” “little fish, big pond,” and “medium fish, medium pond” metaphors provide a valuable framework for understanding the psychological dynamics of college athletics. By focusing on finding the “right pond” – a program that aligns with their abilities, goals, and personal preferences – athletes can maximize their chances of having a positive and successful college experience. It’s also important to be honest with yourself about whether you think you will excel in positions where your pond does not fit the size of fish that you are.
