Finding the Right Fit: College Commitment Advice From Owasso Athletes
By Isaac Krueger
Finding college can be a stressful process—especially for student athletes. The team, academics, location and many other factors go into making the final decision. Playing in college is a big deal, but finding others who have gone through the process before can help relieve the anxiety. Seniors Olivia Kucharyski, Libby Booth and Michael Jamerson offer advice from their experiences.
Olivia Kucharyski is a member of the Owasso Lady Rams Soccer team and she just announced her commitment to Western Kentucky University, where she will continue her athletic and academic career.
She speaks of her experience, “Don’t overthink it, that’s something I wish I would’ve known before starting the process. This is a big moment in your life. Just have fun with it and keep your options open.”
Even though the process can be stressful and seem overwhelming, Libby Booth, who just announced her commitment to run track and cross country at Arkansas Tech, assures that it will all work out in the end.
“While I enjoyed the entire process and had a lot of fun with visits and all that went into it, I was very happy when I finally chose my school and could conclude the process” Booth remarks.
Seeing how they would fit was an important factor in their decision. Things such as visits and talking to coaches are crucial in imagining what kind of experience each college presents.
Booth comments, “Arkansas Tech was one of the first schools to reach out to me about starting the recruiting process... After having my official visit there and getting to hangout and run with the girls, I pretty much knew that that’s where I could see myself living for the next four years.”
Finding that connection can be hard sometimes, though. It takes months of research, tours and interviews, while still taking care of high school responsibilities. These things combined create a stressful process.
Libby Booth, center, surrounded by coaches and family on signing day
“It was extremely stressful,” Kucharyski confirms, “It was a struggle to get to the level I wanted to be at and find a place that fit me just right.”
Talking with those closest to him helped to relieve some of the stress for one of Ram football’s star seniors, Michael Jamerson (MJ). MJ announced his commitment to Southeast Missouri State, where he will continue his career and become a D1 student-athlete. His family offered a bit of relief as he took a step to the next level.
“I just talked with my family, seeing what was the best thing to do with my decision” MJ affirms.
MJ’s commitment process was not short, and likewise for the others. It took months of thought, tours, emails and countless other factors. Even though the college search is sometimes overwhelming, it is still an exciting time for student athletes to think about the next four years of their lives.
Kucharyski comments, “I’m looking forward to growing with my teammates on and off the field. I’m excited to have the first game day, first win, first goal.”
Although these seniors are off to bigger and better things, they leave behind great advice for the next generation of Rams going forward.