Once a student starts high school, they don’t realize that, with time flying by, they need to start thinking about what they want to do when school is over.

But when it comes time to get serious and think about the future, students only have a general idea of what they want to do after high school.

By at least the end of sophomore year, students start sending in applications for colleges and hope for the best.

There are even some professional athletes that do more than just play ball. 49er’s Tight End Vernon Davis does paintings of himself and of other football related pictures in his free time. Sometimes just playing sports isn’t enough for some people who want to achieve more in life.

Once students start getting acceptance letters, they start thinking of whether or not they want to play a sport in college as well.

With at least an idea set and ready to go, athletes start focusing more and preparing for the college days ahead of them.

Some athletes also know what they want to do besides sports in college.

“I want to go to Santa Clara University and major in art,” expressed Mikayla Lopez, a sophomore and varsity soccer player. She also stated that she wanted to play collegiate soccer, and not outside of school.

Others hope that they get the chance to participate in the sport during college.

“I want to go to college and hopefully play soccer,” said Brittany Bartle, a senior and varsity soccer player.

With the plan of going to college after high school and playing a collegiate sport, athletes also realize that playing a sport and taking hard classes can be a difficult task in the college world.

However, it doesn’t seem to faze some athletes because they care that they actually get to play the sport.

With the struggle, athletes always remember the reason why they care so much for the sport and it makes the experience better.

The reason that Lopez and Bartle both stated as their reason was, “Because i love it.” Lopez also expressed another reason why she cared for soccer and she said that it entertains her.

Even though the struggle is difficult, athletes find a way to juggle sports, school, and social activities, especially with some experience from high school.

Some athletes will take the challenge well, while others will not take it as well and will learn from the experience.

But, depending on the division that the sport falls under, the load will either be more or less than what would be expected.

With the love of a sport in an athlete’s heart, it’s seems that nothing can stop them from participating in the sport after high school and pursuing their dreams.