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    Want to get ahead in youth sports? Try staying back a year.

    en-usSeptember 03, 2024
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    Podcast Summary

    • Student ReclassificationSome high school students, especially athletes, reclassify to gain a competitive edge in college applications, potentially leading to better opportunities, but it comes with financial costs and potential impact on social and emotional development.

      Some high school students, particularly athletes, are choosing to "reclass," or repeat a year of school, in order to gain a competitive edge. This practice, which can be costly for both students and parents, allows students to have an extra year of athletic experience and potential growth before applying to colleges. For instance, a 17-year-old stepson named Clyde is considering reclassing to improve his chances of playing college soccer and securing scholarships. This strategy can help students stand out in the college application process, potentially leading to better opportunities. However, the financial burden of reclassing and the potential impact on a student's social and emotional development should also be carefully considered.

    • Reclassing opportunitiesReclassing can provide opportunities for teenagers to improve skills, increase chances of college recognition, and potentially lead to better educational opportunities and higher future earnings.

      Reclassing, or repeating a grade, can provide opportunities for teenagers, particularly those with athletic aspirations, to reach their goals. Clyde, a basketball-loving teenager, is considering reclassing to improve his skills and increase his chances of getting noticed by college recruiters. His friend Sage, who also reclassed to gain an extra year of growth and skill development, is now serious about playing basketball in college and potentially even professionally. Sage's experience highlights how reclassing can lead to better educational opportunities, potentially higher future earnings, and even the realization of dreams. The example of Sage, who was once considered small for his age and a late bloomer, illustrates how reclassing can give teenagers an extra edge in their academic and athletic pursuits. Ultimately, reclassing can be a valuable tool for those who are serious about their goals and willing to put in the extra effort to achieve them.

    • Reclassing and Athletic ScholarshipsReclassing to gain a competitive edge in school can be costly due to the need for expensive private education and limited availability of athletic scholarships from the NCAA

      Reclassing, or changing grades to advance through school earlier, has become a strategy for student athletes, like Elliot Kado, to gain a competitive edge and secure opportunities for higher education and professional sports careers. However, this strategy comes with significant costs, as it often requires attending expensive private schools. The lack of transparency regarding athletic scholarships and the limited availability of such scholarships add to the criticism that this system favors those who can afford it. The NCAA provides scholarships to only a small percentage of high school athletes, leaving many talented students unable to participate due to financial constraints.

    • Reclassing in college sportsReclassing, or repeating a grade for a competitive edge in college sports, is a complex issue with slim odds of success and potential legal disputes. Focus on the student's ability to contribute to the program rather than just their age.

      Reclassing, or the process of a student repeating a grade to gain a competitive edge in college sports, is a complex and controversial issue. While it may seem like a viable solution for parents looking to give their child an advantage, the odds of success are slim. Only a small percentage of students make it to elite universities or Division I sports teams. Reclassing can also lead to legal disputes, as seen in the Massachusetts lawsuit against a private school for alleged misconduct. Michelle Kajoe, a mother of a UNC player and reclassing consultant, views it as a business decision, emphasizing the importance of a solid plan for a return on investment. However, coaches and industry professionals have mixed opinions. They acknowledge that reclassing can make a student appear more advanced, but they emphasize that the focus should be on whether the student can contribute to the program. Wayne Mizoni, a former Division I baseball coach and current advisor, advises students to consider the potential downsides, such as leaving behind old friends and the uncertainty of success. Ultimately, reclassing is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and planning.

    • College basketball recruiting pressureThe college basketball recruiting process can be intense and uncertain, with some athletes experiencing regret for dedicating too much time to the sport and others seeing their hard work pay off with opportunities to play at the next level

      The world of college basketball recruiting can be both rewarding and disappointing. For some, like CJ, the hard work and dedication put into the sport may pay off with opportunities to play at the next level. But for others, despite their best efforts, the dream of playing college basketball may not materialize. This was evident in the conversation between CJ and his friend Sage, where CJ expressed his regret for focusing so much time on basketball and considered reclassifying to increase his chances of being recruited. Meanwhile, Sage's decision to reclassify seemed to have paid off, with several hefty schools expressing interest in him. Overall, the episode highlights the intense pressure and uncertainty that comes with the college basketball recruiting process.

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    Want to get ahead in youth sports? Try staying back a year.

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