College Soccer & Nursing?

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Hi! I have recently been accepted into a transfer school. I was accepted directly into my sophomore year of the nursing program. Today, I was contacted by the women's head soccer coach, who invited me to play on her team. Soccer is near to my heart, as I have been playing my entire life, but I never imagined playing. I did not play at my old school either, this team is desperate for players.

It is a Division III team, but at my new school, clinicals start this fall. I would love to hear comments on whether or not this is possible. It would also be great to hear some personal stories as to why you chose to/to not play a college sport while in nursing school. School comes first to me, and I am a bit worried about the totally time commitment (~23 hours/week).

Also, I will be commuting to this school if it makes any difference.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing your comments!

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I played D3 softball while in college/nursing school. It was doable my first two years, but once clinicals started it was almost impossible. Since all of my lectures were only offered once a semester, my schedule was not flexible like most of my teammates. My junior year I had to step down from being a student-athlete but was able to stay with the team as a "manager." I went to as many games and practices as I could and remained a part of the team. Although softball had been my life up until that point, my future career was more important and had to take center stage. I resigned from softball completely at the start of my senior year because I decided to commute instead of dorm. I only had lectures 2 days a week and my clinical locations were closer to my home than campus.

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Hi shenanigans_RN, thank you for taking the time to respond so thoroughly to my question! I agree that I do not think that clinicals and a sport is going to be doable. The coach said that they take special consideration for Nursing majors (my schools has a large nursing program), but I am still worried about the time commitment. I am almost positive that I am not going to do it. Like you said, Nursing is my future, not soccer, therefore my grades are far more important that practice or a game. Thanks again for answering!

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Perhaps you could indulge your soccer jones in a rec league that plays weekends or one evening a week. Exercise and doing something completely different from school now and then is good for your head.

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GrnTea - great idea! I agree that exercise is extremely important. I'll be on the lookout of club teams! Thanks again!

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As sad as it was to actually play on the team anymore, managing was still awesome. I was more of a "bullpen catcher" than sitting and doing the books. Ask the coach if being an active but backseat player would be possible. That way you still get the recognition and family aspect of being on the team. Plus, maybe on days off or during any free time you can join in on pickup games or other "team" activities. I still remember playing frisbee with my former teammates in between classes. Being a "nursing student-athlete" is quite an exclusive club. Including myself, there were 2 my year and only 1 since.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

23 hours is quite a commitment, not to mention you wouldn't likely be able to travel to the away games. Interesting that coach is aware of nursing students' needs... but commuting, plus clinicals, plus lab (my labs were at odd times, we signed up randomly for times, but where I teach lab is part of daily schedule), plus lectures, and endless care plans.... I wouldn't recommend it. Even if you think it would only be late afternoons/evenings, that is when our students go to hospital to get their clinical assignments for the next day.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do! and congrats on getting into nursing school!

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JBudd - I agree, 23 hours is a huge weekly time commitment. I am almost positive that I am not going to participate. My future career and grades are far more important than a game. Thanks for responding!

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