Sports
aren’t only a superb way to boost your physical fitness, care for
your mental health and build confidence; they can provide people with
a rewarding career path and an exceptional salary.
If
you have a gift for a sport, such as football, soccer or basketball,
or are passionate about exercise, there is no reason why you cannot
turn your passion into an occupation. For help identifying the best
route for you, here are four realistic career paths for high school
athletes.
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Professional Sports
If
you believe you have what it takes to play a sport at a professional
level, it is possible you could enjoy a career as an athlete. Many
scouts and team recruiters are often searching for the best
up-and-coming talent, and it might not be too long before you’re on
their radar.
Rather
than waiting for them to come to you, you shouldn’t be afraid to
promote yourself to secure an athletic
scholarship. For example, you can use a scholarship recruitment
platform to connect with university coaches and potentially secure a
sports scholarship.
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A Fitness Trainer
A
high school athlete could be perfectly positioned to embark on a
career as a fitness trainer. After all, they will have a solid
understanding of exercise, nutrition, and the importance of rest for
recovery.
It’s
also possible for fitness trainers to specialize in a skill, such as
bodybuilding, self-defense, yoga, rehab therapy, and more. It’s a
great way to embrace an active career while helping others to improve
their physical and mental health.
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Sports Medicine
If
you want to help athletes improve their health, a career in sports
medicine could be ideal for you. There are also numerous paths
you can go down, as you can help professional sports stars to recover
from various injuries, or you could join a professional team to treat
various complaints and medical conditions.
Another
option is to become
a sports psychologist, which will require you to help athletes to
cope with the mental and emotional aspects of being a professional
sportsman or woman. For example, you could help them to overcome the
psychological barriers that are preventing them from reaching their
potential.
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A Coach
If
you have experience playing a sport, your skills might be best suited
towards a
career as a coach over a sports star. You could start your career
by securing a coaching or assistant coaching position at a middle
school or high school. However, if you want to become a college or
professional coach, you’ll need to climb through the ranks to grab
the attention of teams and institutions.
The
end of high school doesn’t need to signal the end of your sporting
life, as there are many avenues you can explore to enjoy an exciting
career in football, soccer, hockey, and physical fitness, to name
only a few. The above options could ultimately provide you with a
career direction when applying for a college major or when seeking a
scholarship.
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