When people think of a typical high school student-athlete, the image of high school practices and matches with fellow athletes comes to mind. However, in recent years, this mindset has shifted for many student-athletes. Rather than playing on the school team, they now prioritize pursuing their sport through outside team clubs and sports programs.
This shift in priorities reflects a broader trend that is evident in various high schools and across youth sports. High school sports teams used to be the baseline for all athletes from all different levels, divided into two teams, junior varsity and varsity. Now, these student athletes compete for club programs that promise higher levels of intensity and competition, more individualized training and more opportunities for advancement that would not be available at a high school level.
For many, the biggest appeal of prioritizing clubs over joining high school teams lies in the opportunity for exposure. Club programs are often designed around recruitment, with different college coaches attending tournaments and matches to recruit athletes. For students who hope to play beyond high school, this benefit is crucial.
Senior Matthew Crothers has followed this idea, as he has been playing soccer competitively for a club since he was six-years-old.
“I chose to play club soccer instead of high school because the level is much higher and there’s a lot more exposure to potentially play at a collegiate level or even professionally,” he said. “The only downside to not representing my high school for my sport is that I don’t get to play with some of my closest friends, who I’ve known for a big portion of my life.”
Club sports may offer stronger competition and more opportunities for personalized training, but they come at the cost of sacrificing the community aspect of school athletics. However, for many athletes, their decision to join club sports is rooted in personal growth rather than the enjoyment and community found in school athletics. While school teams provide a sense of belonging and spirit among like-minded students, club programs offer an environment where athletes are pushed to compete at a higher and more personalized level, developing more advanced skills. For these students, the decision lies in being challenged and shaped into stronger competitors, even if it means sacrificing the school pride that comes with representing their school.
Sophomore Geri Schwartzman faced this exact decision when choosing between cheerleading for Gunn or a club. She was previously on the varsity cheerleading team in her freshman year, but ultimately decided to join and stay on a club cheerleading team, Gold Star All Star Cheer, for the rest of her high school career in order to become a better cheerleader overall.
“While I had a very good time in school cheer, it just didn’t suit my level and desire for cheer practice,” she said. “I needed a team that would challenge me, one that would shape me into a better cheerleader and be able to get stronger.”
While club sports are often more suitable for higher-level athletes, they come at the cost of higher time commitment. High
school teams typically train for the duration of a single season, which is around two and a half months, and practices are often scheduled to fit around the school day. However, club programs are much more rigorous, requiring higher commitment since they often have frequent and longer practices and therefore, leave little time for other activities and academics. While this intensity for club programs can be overwhelming for some, others are more motivated to work under the pressure that club programs bring. It all depends on the kind of person the athlete is and what their ultimate goal for their sport is: Some people thrive in supportive, school- centered environments where the focus is on representing their school, while others feel more motivated and fulfilled in the high-pressure and competitive environments that club programs often provide.
Their choice reflects not only their athletic goals, but also their priorities on whether they value community and connections or personal growth through demanding training. Tennis player and junior Serena Martin explains how the decision is personal and unique to each athlete. She originally played for the varsity tennis team, but decided to quit her sophomore year to focus on outside tennis programs.
“I think doing the sport outside of school is important for people who have decided that they are set on putting their all into their respective sport,” she said. “I believe that struggle is inevitable, and it’s up to each athlete to choose what it is they want and what they are willing to experience.”
For many, the challenge not only lies in deciding between school and club, but also in balancing and managing the sacrifices that come with the path they choose. Since club programs are more demanding, with more frequent practices and matches throughout the year, balancing academics becomes a central struggle which many athletes face.
While club soccer has allowed Crothers to significantly improve as an athlete, it has also required him to confront the challenge of balancing the limited time. As a part of the soccer team, frequent practices and matches leave him little time to focus on schoolwork.
“Balancing academics is definitely a lot harder as my life is revolved around soccer all year, but for (when I play for) high school, it only really affects the winter sports season,” he said.
Ultimately, the choice between playing for a school or a club reflects more than athletic level. Schwartzman prioritized the community that club cheer fostered.
“Club cheer is very different (from school cheer),” she said. “Everyone is trying their absolute best to help the team win, and are staying on track the whole practice. I also found that club cheer was a great opportunity to make friends, as I’d meet people from different schools and grades.”
