When student-athletes decide to attend college, they leave the nest to start their journey as adults. They connect with peers and professors to help them grow as people and scholars. The institutional culture that they attend is also critical in this process. But, throughout my professional journey, I learned that parents can be the caveat to hindering this growth.
Listen, I admit that I did not have a kid in college. But I once was a kid in college. I know that experience well and had to make a hard decision. That was to disconnect from my parents just enough so that I could grow as an individual. My parents never called my coach or professors. I would have been mortified. Because I did not have helicopter parents in these moments, it forced me to communicate, strategize, and think critically. Therefore, parents and athletes, growing with your community and institution are fine because that unlocks growth opportunities.
When student-athletes decide to attend college, they leave the nest to start their journey as adults. They connect with peers and professors to help them grow as people and scholars. The institutional culture that they attend is also critical in this process. But, throughout my professional journey, I learned that parents can be the caveat to hindering this growth.
Listen, I admit that I did not have a kid in college. But I once was a kid in college. I know that experience well and had to make a hard decision. That was to disconnect from my parents just enough so that I could grow as an individual. My parents never called my coach or professors. I would have been mortified. Because I did not have helicopter parents in these moments, it forced me to communicate, strategize, and think critically. Therefore, parents and athletes, growing with your community and institution are fine because that unlocks growth opportunities.