sport
University sport, a model of success in the United States
Athletes represent their university through competitions
In general, sport plays a major role in the lives of Americans and is closely linked to the school system. Indeed, unlike France and its club system, young Americans practice their(s) sport(s) and participate in competitions via school.
​
Athletes are the pride of their university and a showcase for it. Generally speaking, the ranking and reputation of a school go hand in hand with the level of its sports teams.
​
What is the NCAA ?
Various organizations such as the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) govern university sport and allow universities to offer sports scholarships. It should be noted that there are no scholarships in middle and high school.
The NCAA's mission is to enable athlete students to succeed in sport and school. Many athletes have the opportunity to build a professional career in their sport after university, but the primary goal is to obtain a degree.
Why do universities invest in athletes ?
Some university championships are as well attended as professional championships. We can think of American football, for example. It is not uncommon to see a 90,000-seat university stadium filled to capacity at all school games. In addition, Americans support their university for life and are very proud to wear clothes and other signs of belonging to their school. It's also source of income for them.
​
That is why universities invest in sports and infrastructure. The sports facilities on university campuses are exceptional and allow athletes to have everything at their disposal on site. In addition, universities offer sports support structures similar to those of the best European professional clubs (physiotherapists, physical trainers, cold baths, mental coaches, nutritionists, etc.).
American universities recruit young sports students from all over the world, starting with Europe. So why not you ?
The Different University Sports
And many others....
​
-
Ice Hockey/Gazon
-
American Football
-
Volleyball
-
Water Polo
-
Bowling
-
Fencing
-
Gymnastics
-
Rifle shooting
And many others....
​
-
Ice Hockey/Gazon
-
American Football
-
Volleyball
-
Water Polo
-
Bowling
-
Fencing
-
Gymnastics
-
Rifle shooting
Sports divisions
There are 5 main sports divisions:
NCAA-D1
This is the most competitive division. The standards for acceptance into a university that competes in D1 are therefore high both in terms of sport and academic achievement.
NCAA-D2
The sporting level in D2, although lower than D1, offers a competitive framework. Admission conditions are more flexible and many scholarships are available.
NCAA-D3
Unfortunately, the D3 does not offer sports scholarships to athletes. However, there are scholarships available for the most deserving students, which is a good opportunity for those who focus on the academic part of the project.
NAIA
The NAIA is made up of small universities (maximum 5000 students), which offer scholarships and are generally more accessible than in the NCAA. There are very competitive universities in this division.
NJCAA
The NJCAA (or Junior Colleges) is an excellent option for young people leaving high school directly, those who wish to reorient themselves, or who have a poor school record and/or a fragile TOEFL. In 1 or 2 years, these schools are a solid stepping stone to the NCAA.