When most people think of athletic scholarships, they immediately picture popular sports like football, basketball, or soccer. However, there are many non-traditional sports that also offer great scholarship opportunities for talented athletes. These sports, often overlooked in mainstream media, can provide unique avenues for students to pursue higher education while continuing to compete at a high level. If you’re an athlete excelling in a non-traditional sport, it’s important to understand the opportunities available and how to pursue them.
What Are Non-Traditional Sports?
Non-traditional sports are typically those that don’t receive as much media attention or widespread participation as the big-ticket sports like football, basketball, or baseball. These sports can range from individual disciplines like martial arts and rock climbing to team sports like ultimate frisbee or rowing. The beauty of non-traditional sports is that they provide opportunities for athletes who may not fit into the traditional mold of popular sports programs, but still have incredible talent and passion.
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Types of Non-Traditional Sports That Offer Scholarships
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Non-traditional sports span a wide range of activities, each offering its own set of scholarship opportunities. Some of these sports are growing in popularity, while others have been around for decades but have remained under the radar for many students.
- Esports: Competitive video gaming has exploded in recent years, with universities across the country offering scholarships for esports players. Colleges are investing heavily in esports teams and facilities, creating an environment where skilled gamers can compete at a collegiate level while earning their degree. Esports scholarships can cover tuition and sometimes include additional benefits like travel funding for competitions.
- Rock Climbing: Rock climbing has become a prominent sport at the collegiate level, and many universities are now offering climbing scholarships. The sport is recognized for its physical and mental challenges, and athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill in climbing can receive financial support to attend top universities with strong outdoor programs.
- Rowing: Rowing, or crew, is a unique sport that often flies under the radar but offers significant scholarship opportunities, especially at Division I schools. Rowing programs are popular at schools along the East Coast and on the West Coast, and top athletes in the sport are highly sought after for recruitment. Scholarships are typically partial, but can cover a substantial amount of the costs associated with tuition and travel for competitions.
- Fencing: Fencing is another non-traditional sport that offers athletic scholarships at various colleges and universities. The sport is highly technical, requiring speed, agility, and strategy. Many schools with fencing programs, particularly Ivy League schools, offer scholarships for athletes who can compete at a high level in national and international tournaments.
- Lacrosse: While gaining in popularity, lacrosse is still considered a non-traditional sport in many regions of the country. Colleges with lacrosse programs, especially in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, offer scholarships to talented players who can help their team compete at a national level.
- Rugby: Rugby is a rapidly growing sport in the U.S., and many universities have established men’s and women’s rugby programs. Scholarships are available at the club level, and some schools offer full or partial athletic scholarships to standout players. Rugby also offers opportunities for international students, with many programs recruiting top talent from countries where the sport is more popular.
- Ultimate Frisbee: Although not officially recognized as an NCAA sport, ultimate frisbee is played at many universities, and several schools offer scholarship opportunities to skilled players. Ultimate is a growing sport with a strong collegiate presence, and some universities provide financial assistance to top athletes in the form of partial scholarships or other financial aid packages.
- Martial Arts: Schools with strong martial arts programs may offer scholarships to athletes who excel in disciplines like taekwondo, judo, karate, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Martial arts scholarships may not always be as widely advertised as those for more traditional sports, but they are available, especially at universities with active martial arts clubs or competitive teams.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Non-Traditional Sports
The process of applying for athletic scholarships in non-traditional sports is similar to that of traditional sports, but with a few key differences. Here’s what you need to know:
- Research Programs and Schools: Start by identifying colleges and universities that have strong programs in your non-traditional sport. Research schools that offer competitive teams, scholarship opportunities, and a good balance of academics and athletics. Don’t overlook smaller schools or those with emerging programs in your sport, as they may offer more opportunities for individual attention and funding.
- Build an Athletic Resume: Just like in traditional sports, you will need to showcase your skills and achievements to get noticed by coaches. Create an athletic resume that highlights your accomplishments, competition results, and any awards you’ve won. If applicable, include video footage of your performances in competitions or tournaments.
- Contact Coaches: Reach out to coaches at the universities you’re interested in to express your interest in their programs. Send them your athletic resume, highlight reel, and academic achievements. Coaches are more likely to take you seriously if you proactively show interest in their program.
- Get Involved in Competitions: Most non-traditional sports have competitive circuits, whether they are local, regional, or national competitions. Participating in these events can increase your visibility and help coaches see your potential. These competitions are often the primary way for coaches to scout new talent.
- Understand the NCAA or Other Eligibility Requirements: If you’re seeking a scholarship in a sport that is governed by the NCAA (such as lacrosse or fencing), it’s important to be aware of the eligibility rules. For non-traditional sports that aren’t governed by the NCAA, some universities may have their own eligibility requirements, so make sure you understand those as well.
- Look for External Scholarships: In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are many organizations, foundations, and companies that offer external scholarships for athletes in non-traditional sports. For example, there are esports organizations that provide scholarships to high school students interested in gaming, or climbing-specific scholarships offered by outdoor companies.
Benefits of Pursuing Non-Traditional Athletic Scholarships
While the competition for non-traditional sports scholarships can be fierce, there are several advantages to pursuing them:
- Less Competition: With fewer athletes competing for scholarships in non-traditional sports, your chances of being awarded a scholarship can be higher compared to more popular sports.
- Unique College Experience: By participating in a non-traditional sport, you have the chance to experience a different aspect of college athletics that may be less conventional but equally rewarding. You’ll also likely be part of a tight-knit community of athletes who share your passion for the sport.
- Diverse Opportunities: Non-traditional sports are not just limited to athletes; they often open doors to careers in coaching, sports marketing, and event management, giving you the chance to explore diverse career paths within your sport.
Conclusion
Athletic scholarships for non-traditional sports offer unique opportunities for talented athletes to continue their athletic journey while pursuing higher education. Whether it’s esports, rock climbing, fencing, or another lesser-known sport, colleges and universities are recognizing the value these athletes bring to their programs. By researching schools, building your athletic resume, and connecting with coaches, you can increase your chances of landing a scholarship and securing your place in the college of your dreams. Non-traditional sports may be unconventional, but they offer a rewarding path to both academic and athletic success.
