The Next Level: CV Athletes Take on College
Lilly Felician
Staff Writer
As the school year approaches the third marking period, athletes are committing to a school that is the perfect fit for them. Coaching staff, cost, and offered majors are just some of the factors that go into deciding where to spend the next four years.
“I’m really grateful for every offer I received, but I decided on Elon [University] because of the tremendous academic program, the relationships I made with the coaches, and my aspirations to make it to the NBA,” senior basketball player Sam Sherry said. Sherry also received offers from six other Division I schools.
Senior soccer player Kylie Brodkorb turned down two other offers to attend Lycoming University because of the location, academics, and, ultimately, she could envision herself on the campus.
The recruiting process has looked significantly different for many athletes due to the pandemic.
“It was really stressful and really difficult when COVID started because my SAT got pushed back to a different date, and that really slowed down the process,” Brodkorb said. On the other hand, Sherry said the coronavirus sped up the process of his commitment.
Location also plays a large role in the athletic commitment process. Many athletes continue to in-state schools because the cost is cheaper than out-of-state schools, friends and family can go to games more often, and they are familiar with the area. Contrarily, an unfamiliar place to explore, new friends to make, and a change in climate are just a few of the attractions of an out-of-state school.
“Since I moved here from Illinois about a year and a half ago, I’m new to the area, and I really like it. I wanted to stay in PA because there’s a lot to do and I’m an outdoors person,” Brodkorb said.
There are many students who were forced to visit college virtually this year. Both Brodkorb and Sherry plan to attend college in-person in the fall of 2021.
“Hopefully things will be normal by [the fall]. I understand that I have to be flexible during this time,” Sherry said.
Other commitments include Abbie Miller (basketball)- Shippensburg University, Alyssa Hoffman (field hockey)- Rider University, Carly Smith (soccer)- High Point University, Emily Mashinski (soccer)- High Point University, Julie Jekot (basketball)- La Salle University, Logan Sauvé (baseball)- West Virginia University, Luke Snyder (soccer)- High Point University, Mari Colosimo (soccer)- Delaware Valley University, Max Krevsky (lacrosse)- Yale University, and Shea Collins (soccer)- La Salle University.