My son loves to play soccer. He started when he was four years old and continues to love the sport now at age nine. Although we’ve encouraged him to learn other sports as well, i.e. flag football and basketball, soccer remains his true passion. Most days after practice, when he “should” be tired it’s an ordeal dragging him off the field as he continues to shoot goals or dribble the ball.
We started Cameron in soccer as a way to burn off all that energy that never seems to diminish. Learning about teamwork, good sportsmanship and leadership were some of the character traits we also hoped he would acquire. Never did the idea of earning a college scholarship enter the picture. Admittedly, however, he has developed aspirations—totally unsolicited I assure you—of playing soccer for my alma mater and that does fill me with a great sense of pride.
So, that got me to thinking…what are the odds that he will actually play college soccer? As parents we tend to think our children are great at whatever they do. Have you ever wondered what the chances are of your son or daughter earning a scholarship to play college basketball or baseball or even football? Besides being great at their sport, kids must also be good students as grades and test scores play a part in earning a scholarship. Here’s what the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has to say about the estimated probability of competing in athletics beyond high school.
Baseball
Approximately 3 in 50, or about 6.1 percent, of high school senior boys interscholastic baseball players will go on to play men’s baseball at an NCAA school.
Approximately 1 in 200, or about 0.45 percent of high school senior boys playing baseball will eventually be drafted by an MLB team.
Basketball
Less than 1 in 35, or approximately 3.0 percent, of high school senior boys playing interscholastic basketball will go on to play men’s basketball at an NCAA school.
Approximately 3 in 10,000, or roughly 0.03 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic basketball will eventually be drafted by an NBA team.
Women’s Basketball
About 3.3 percent, or approximately 3 in 100, of high school senior girls interscholastic basketball players will go on to play women’s basketball at an NCAA school.
Approximately 1 in 5,000, or approximately 0.02 percent of high school senior girls playing interscholastic basketball will eventually be drafted by a WNBA team.
Football
About 5.7 percent, or approximately 1 in 17, of all high school senior boys playing interscholastic football will go on to play football at an NCAA school.
Approximately 8 in 10,000, or approximately 0.08 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic football will eventually be drafted by an NFL team.
Baseball
Approximately 3 in 50, or about 6.1 percent, of high school senior boys interscholastic baseball players will go on to play men’s baseball at an NCAA school.
Approximately 1 in 200, or approximately 0.45 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic baseball will eventually be drafted by an MLB team.
Men’s Ice Hockey
Approximately 11 in 100, or about 11 percent, of high school senior boys interscholastic ice hockey players will go on to play men’s ice hockey at an NCAA school.
Less than 1 in 300, or approximately 0.32 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic ice hockey will eventually be drafted by an NHL team.
Men’s Soccer
Less than 3 in 50, or about 5.5 percent, of high school senior boys interscholastic soccer players will go on to play men’s soccer at an NCAA school.
Approximately 1 in 1,250 or approximately 0.07 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic soccer will eventually be drafted by an MLS team.
Hmmm…. Seems like the odds are better if the goal is to just go out there and have fun.
Linde Hyder, i9 Sports Mom Blogger
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