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United States College pathways

Athletic scholarship opportunities in US Colleges (equivalent to Australian tertiary education) are a legitimate and sought-after school option for many highly talented junior athletes. Australian students are potentially able to use their athletic ability to receive scholarships from US Colleges, which allows them to access higher education and elite-level sporting opportunities.

The feeder to professional sport in the US

US College sports are the 2nd tier of sports, the feeder system to professional sport in the United States. The level and scale do not compare to any other College sports in the world and is accessed by more than 450,000 student athletes.

Some student athletes live a similar lifestyle to that of a professional athlete, but instead of wages, College athletes receive a paid education through full or partial sports scholarships. In addition to covering what they call “scholarship” tuition, fees, room board and textbooks, colleges almost always cover: coaching, facility access, domestic travel, hotels and food on the road while competing, all apparel and footwear, equipment for your sport, physio, sport psych, nutrition, tutors for classes and medical insurance.

There are around 4500 Colleges in the US. These Colleges are divided into a number of sectors and divisions of College sports. These are NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) and CCCAA (Californian Community College Athletic Association).

Aussie Athletes Agency

We are fortunate to have a partnership arrangement with Australia’s only certified US College recruitment agency: Aussie Athletes Agency.

This partnership affords our student athletes and their families a free no-obligation consultation. We have partnered with them due to their exceptional track record and their focus on educating (not selling) this pathway. Each of their representatives have personal US College experience as an athlete and coach.

Interested?

If you are interested in this pathway and wish to pursue it you will be required to follow the checklist below:

  • The student must discuss this pathway in depth with their parents/caregivers and conduct thorough research to learn more about this opportunity. This will include:
    • The possibility of living in a foreign country for at least 4 years
    • The possibility of not receiving a full academic scholarship and having to finance travel, schooling and living fees
    • Academic requirements to be eligible to attend a US College
  • Students and parents need to discuss pathway opportunities and requirements with the state peak sporting body (eg Tennis SA, Basketball SA)
  • Students and parents need to meet with an Aussie Athletes Agency representative. This is free of charge. The agency will be able to give you a greater understanding of the prospects of this evolving. There are no requirements or pressures to join the agency.
  •  Once all avenues have been researched and this pathway is still an option the student and parent can arrange a meeting with the Athlete Support Manager, Mr Jarrod Gillings to discuss subject selection and other support structures.