Becoming Pro, but Remembering to be a Pro “You”

Becoming a professional athlete can be seen as the pinnacle of an athletic career but doesn’t necessarily need to be the barometer of success if that goal is not achieved. While young athletes aspire to go pro it requires a combination of talent, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and often a bit of luck. The path to professional sports can vary depending on the sport, the level of competition, and individual circumstances. Here are some general steps and factors to consider.

Start young and develop skills versus focusing on wins and medals — if done right those will come later. Many professional athletes begin practicing and participating in their chosen sport at a young age, but even if you start late you can still reach the top. Early exposure and training can though help develop fundamental skills, techniques, and a deep understanding of the sport faster. Having passion, dedication, and genuine love for the sport can carry the day toward success if done right. The passion to be a student of the game, dedication to practice and improve, and genuine love to overcome challenges are what sets apart aspiring professionals from casual players.

Having the proper high-quality coaching and training are essential to developing advanced skills, tactics, and strategies. Coaches can identify areas for improvement and guide athletes in their development with years of experience. From aspiring to professional athletes are always looking for ways to improve. This might involve analyzing performance videos, seeking feedback, and fine-tuning skills.

Sometimes achieving these goals requires leaving the comfort of a team you’ve been on for years to compete at a higher level. One can’t get better if they’re the best player on the team — break out and test yourself against the best if you can Aspiring players typically need to compete at increasingly higher levels of competition to grow your skills and push beyond. In doing so, being in solid physical condition helps. Get in the habit of doing regular fitness training, strength conditioning, flexibility work, and injury prevention to keep your body fresh and prevent injury.

There’s the old saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and that rings true when it comes to sports. Never pass up the opportunity to network within the sports community and gain exposure at various levels of competition to attract attention from potential coaches, teammates, and programs. It’s always important to conduct yourself in an appropriate matter that leaves a good lasting impression when someone recalls your name. When tryouts, meeting a coach, or someone from a program come up make an effort to introduce yourself respectfully and not over the top. Make eye contact, firm handshake, and stay engaged in the conversation until it’s over.

While the goal may be to become a professional athlete, remember education and balance are more important. Even if you make it, a professional athlete retires in their mid-30s. Having an education allows you to have a career after that career, or if you don’t make it you’ll have an education to fall back on.

There will be setbacks and hard days, weeks, months, and some cases even years. How a player handles those setbacks and overcomes those challenges whether it be not getting called up, injuries, rejections, etc creates resilience which in the face of adversity is the hallmark of successful people. It will be a journey that requires consistent effort and patience — success may not come overnight.

Remember that the path to becoming a professional athlete can be highly competitive and varies by sport. Not all athletes will reach the professional level, but the skills, discipline, and experiences gained through pursuing sports can lead to valuable life lessons and personal growth. Even if you aspire to play for your local school team, dream college, or make it professionally — embrace the journey and recognize the work if you truly give your all toward that goal, even if you don’t make it. It’s better to have tried than not have tried at all.

And always remember… Hungry dogs run faster.