I've been an athlete since I was a little kid. When it came time to go to college, the choice to play a collegiate sport was a difficult decision for me. I loved my sport (softball) and didn't think I could live without it, but at the same time I was worried that the transition from home to college would be a difficult one. Despite my reservations, I played my sport for three years at the D3 level and would never go back and choose to not play.  Here's why I'm glad I played.

If you're an athlete, than you know that the bond between teammates is a strong bond.  When it comes down to it, your teammates will be there for you no matter what.  You spend countless hours together at practices, games, on the bus, in the gym.  They know you up and down, inside and out, left to right.  You always have someone to count on in your teammates.

Your coach will become your parent over your four years at college.  Sure he may yell more often than your real parents and push you to run 2 or 3 miles a day, but deep down that coach cares for you as if you were her daughter.  If you're ever having a bad day or trouble with your busy schedule, your coach will open his doors to you.  It's nice to have that comfort when you're just leaving the nest.

Lots of collegiate athletes worry that they won't have time to get school work done with practices, games, lifting sessions, etc.  However, I found that having a day to day schedule of practices and games forced me to get my work done.  There was no time to dawdle and procrastinate!  I had certain hours where I could get work done, so I learned to get my work done quickly and sufficiently in that alotted amount of time. 

Much like high school, athletes rule the roost. Being an athlete is an easy conversation starter at social events and classess. Lots of people know who you are before you've even met them because they follow your stats in the school newspaper or they saw you play in a game last week against your schools number one rival. It's a good feeling to be known on campus and to know that your fellow classmates are following your success.

Lots of college students fight the freshman 15.  You're away from home, you've got new friends, you want to go out and meet people, so gym time is very limited.  However, if you play a sport, gym time is a necessarry part of your day.  Your sport will help you manage your time wisely (much like with your schoolwork) to make sure that you don't push off the gym.  And a huge plus, working out boosts your energy levels, so you'll be a happier athlete for it.