U of O rumor

[OrSoccerMom]

Any recruits that the old coaching staff picked are probably not the ones that the news coaches will want. The fact that these players committed to Oregon is probably an indicator they must not have gotten any other offers.

This is just mean spirited.

My DD committed to U of O for a variety of reasons. Most of those reasons had nothing to do with Tara and the coaching staff although she did feel very comfortable and welcomed by the coaching staff. As a parent I was thrilled that she chose Oregon. All of her other choices were in Texas, Florida and on the East Coast. As a parent I really want to watch her play even in college and the likelihood of that happening with her halfway or all the way across the country are slim.

While being committed to a university that has no soccer coaches is a bit unsettling, my DD is not that anxious about it and is willing to wait and see. Worst case, she will reopen her options. There have been several schools that have already made contact to inquire if she is reopening options. So, ultimately we know that no matter what she will land in a place that will suite her individual needs.

To put it in perspective, she loves the Ducks and their football program and all of her friends that go to both Oregon and OSU. These were her decisive factors. In her case, she had no interest in private colleges. Additionally, our family has another tie to Oregon athletics and it all blends together to make for a fun few years of her life.

There is a mentality on this board that if you do not go to a school that has a winning record or is nationally recognized then you must not be that good. Every player has their own criteria for what they want. Not all reasons revolve around how high the team is ranked.

[Unregistered]

Sort of agree ...

This is just mean spirited.

My DD committed to U of O for a variety of reasons. Most of those reasons had nothing to do with Tara and the coaching staff although she did feel very comfortable and welcomed by the coaching staff. As a parent I was thrilled that she chose Oregon. All of her other choices were in Texas, Florida and on the East Coast. As a parent I really want to watch her play even in college and the likelihood of that happening with her halfway or all the way across the country are slim.

While being committed to a university that has no soccer coaches is a bit unsettling, my DD is not that anxious about it and is willing to wait and see. Worst case, she will reopen her options. There have been several schools that have already made contact to inquire if she is reopening options. So, ultimately we know that no matter what she will land in a place that will suite her individual needs.

To put it in perspective, she loves the Ducks and their football program and all of her friends that go to both Oregon and OSU. These were her decisive factors. In her case, she had no interest in private colleges. Additionally, our family has another tie to Oregon athletics and it all blends together to make for a fun few years of her life.

There is a mentality on this board that if you do not go to a school that has a winning record or is nationally recognized then you must not be that good. Every player has their own criteria for what they want. Not all reasons revolve around how high the team is ranked.

When your daughter does go to UO and plays soccer, she and you will discover some truths that my daughter and her friends have found. She and her friends play for PAC-12 and WCC schools. First, your college life revolves around the soccer program. From practice to games to travel, it consumes your time. After the season is over, like now, you still practice and keep in condition. Then comes Spring games. It's a contest to see who is going to replace seniors and others that have left the program. Or simply retain your position. All the while, unless your grades are very good, you go to study most days with your team mates at a academic center designed for this activity. You meet with your soccer program adviser regularly, and, of course, the compliance folks. Then Summer comes and you continue workouts on your own. You may go to summer school so that you can keep your classes in the Fall to a bare minimum. First week of August, you start all over again. Some colleges, like a well known local one, have "wink-wink", "voluntary" practice starting the whole month of July.

Those football games? Check the schedule, you may be out of town for some of the few homes games. With your soccer life comes injury, and extra time for rehab. You still do everything else. Now, what does a program's success have to do with all this? Many, many things. Your DD is used to winning most games, not loosing half or more like UO. That's very hard to adjust to given all your effort. Coaches and other players aren't very happy a lot of the time. You don't receive the respect you deserve from other students. And then, you need to deal with the financial aspects. Will I get the same percent of Cost of Attendance as last year, more, or even less? Will the new head coach try to recruit the best new players by "buying" them with large athletic scholarships? If so, they'll be less for me. And look at academic results, the UO team averaged 3.27, fifth in the PAC-12, not bad. OSU, with a 3.40 average, was second in the PAC-12. Are those averages good enough for the things your DD wants to do after college? What is she used to?

Lastly, given the time and social demands of playing, is it worth it? Most say yes. Mine certainly does. But many say no and quit playing. The attrition rate is high due to the time commitments and injury. So, if you are looking at the big picture, your talented DD may well be advised to find the best, most successful program that meets her desires and goals.

[OrSoccerMom]

Thanks for your perspective. If there does not appear to be a fit with Oregon then she will consider these factors just as she did last time when deciding what school to go to. There are many reasons to pick a college that meet your needs. While I agree that soccer is a huge part of their lives should they choose to play D1 sports I also respect my DD's desire to have other quality of life factors.

And yes, she realizes that she won't be attending football games. That is all fine and good. As I said, we have another major connection to Oregon athletics and it does make it fun even for a soccer player.

Again thanks for your advice.

[Unregistered]

OrMom while I see your point it is hard to imagine being able to attend a higher ranked college and choosing not to do so. Not every player has that opportunity and from what i know of your player I think she is settling for a lesser college. Everyone makes their own choices and I know if my child were as recognized as yours she would do much better. Is it you being selfish and wanting "to see her play" or is she just not that motivated?

[Unregistered]

Stop

Don't answer. This is absurd. I guess Andrew Luck, RG III, Damien Lilliard, etc, etc, were selfish too by selecting "lesser" schools.

The thread is done when families get insulted for success.

[Unregistered]

OrMom while I see your point it is hard to imagine being able to attend a higher ranked college and choosing not to do so. Not every player has that opportunity and from what i know of your player I think she is settling for a lesser college. Everyone makes their own choices and I know if my child were as recognized as yours she would do much better. Is it you being selfish and wanting "to see her play" or is she just not that motivated?

I will assume you are being sincere, but boy you are so off base. Forget that she's an athlete. Are you really suggesting that every smart student who goes to U of O or OSU is also settling?

[Unregistered]

WOW!! back off of ORMom. While I don't like some of her sideline antics her DD is a very good soccer player. It is their decision as to where DD goes to get her education. I am sure that DD understands what it will take to play D1. She has no doubt been through many seminars at showcases and ODP to understand the commitment.

Good luck to you and remember the most important thing about playing soccer in college....
GETTING YOUR DEGREE!!!



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