The Growing Trend of Student Athletes Transferring Schools

The Growing Trend of Student Athletes Transferring Schools

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in student athletes transferring to different colleges and universities to continue their athletic careers. This trend, commonly referred to as "athletes on the move," has reshaped the landscape of college sports. There are several factors driving this trend, as well as benefits and drawbacks for both athletes and athletic programs.

Why Are More Student Athletes Transferring?

There are a few key reasons why transferring has become more prevalent among student athletes:

• Relaxed transfer rules - Governing bodies like the NCAA have relaxed transfer restrictions over time, making it easier for athletes to play immediately after switching schools. Previously, transfer students were often required to sit out a year before resuming competition at their new school.
• Increased awareness of mental health - Athletes are more vocal about seeking institutions that provide resources to support their overall mental health and wellbeing.
• Desire for more playing time - Student athletes transfer if they feel they'll get more opportunities for playing time and to showcase skills for professional leagues.
• Academic opportunities - Transfers allow athletes to seek schools that offer their desired academic majors and career development resources.
• Culture fit - Finding an athletic program with a coaching staff and team culture that aligns well with the athlete's goals and values.

The popularity of the NCAA transfer portal, started in 2018, has also streamlined the process for athletes to explore new options.

Benefits for Student Athletes

There are several potential benefits for student athletes who decide to transfer schools:

• Playing time - Athletes transfer to situations that offer more opportunities to compete and demonstrate skills.
• Coaching change - New coaches may provide better mentoring, training, and leadership.
• Academics - Transferring allows athletes to access desired majors and academic support.
• Environment - Finding an athletic program and campus community that is the right personal fit.
• Exposure - Athletes can raise their professional prospects by transferring to athletic powerhouse schools.
• Change of scenery - Transferring to experience a new location, climate, and culture.

The ability to transfer gives athletes more control over their athletic and academic careers. It allows them to make changes if their needs are no longer being met by their current school.

Drawbacks for Student Athletes

While transferring colleges can be a great move for many athletes, there are also some potential drawbacks:

• Sitting out - Unless a waiver is granted, transfers typically have to sit out of competition for a year after switching schools.
• Credits may not transfer - Academic credits don't always carry over, delaying academic progress.
• New athletic/academic standards - Stricter demands at new school can lead to drops in performance.
• Loss of eligibility - Transfers who don't follow NCAA protocols can lose eligibility.
• Leaving friends/teammates - The social connections and bonds formed at the previous school are lost.
• Learning new systems - Adjusting to new team strategies, training regimens, and coaches.
• Costs - Transferring may require paying for moving expenses, deposits, fees, etc.

Athletes have to weigh these potential challenges against the benefits when deciding whether to transfer.

Impact on Athletic Programs

The increase in transfers also has a significant impact on athletic departments and coaches. Some potential effects include:

• Recruiting challenges - Losing athletes to transfers means increased time and expenses are required to recruit replacements.
• Roster instability - Frequent transfers hamper team cohesion and make it harder to build a consistent program.
• Loss of investments - Athletes transferring away means previous coaching and training investments are lost.
• Academic risks - High transfer rates can threaten a school's academic progress rate and lead to NCAA penalties.
• Competitive imbalance - Liberal transfer policies tend to benefit already elite athletic programs that can attract top transfers.

On the positive side for athletic programs, bringing in transfers is an avenue to quickly add experience and talent. But coaches have to balance recruiting high school prospects with transfers to build sustainable success.

Steps for a Successful Transfer

For student athletes considering a transfer, experts recommend taking these key steps:

• Talk to the coaching staff - Have open conversations about your situation and desire to explore transfer options.
• Discuss with academics - Confer with academic advisors to determine how credits may transfer.
• Research new schools - Identify programs that align with athletic and academic goals.
• Reach out to coaches - Express interest in coaches at schools you may want to transfer to.
• Visit top choices - Take campus visits to experience culture and get to know potential new teammates.
• Submit request to transfer portal - Work with compliance office to formally enter NCAA transfer portal.
• Manage the process - Work closely with compliance staff and follow all NCAA guidelines.
• Apply for waiver - Seek a waiver for immediate eligibility if possible.

With research, care, and patience, going through the transfer process in an organized manner can set student athletes up for success at their new school.

The Outlook for Continued Growth in Athlete Transfers

Given the powerful incentives athletes have to consider transfers, experts don't see this trend reversing any time soon. Relaxed NCAA policies and more empowered athletes mean transfers will remain popular. This increased freedom and flexibility for athletes may ultimately improve their college sports experience overall.

But athletic programs will also have to adapt. Coaches will need to find ways to build team culture and consistency even with frequent roster turnover. And schools will need to provide the academic and mental health support transfers need to make a smooth transition. Though challenging, making these adjustments will be key to effectively operating top-tier athletic programs in this new era of heightened student athlete mobility.

FAQs

Why are more student athletes transferring schools?

Main reasons student athletes transfer include wanting more playing time, seeking a coaching change, pursuing specific academic opportunities, finding a better campus/team culture fit, and gaining more professional exposure at high-profile schools.

What are the benefits for athletes who transfer schools?

Potential benefits are more playing time, access to preferred majors and academic resources, finding a coaching staff and program culture they are comfortable with, and increased visibility to pro scouts at elite sports schools.

What drawbacks or risks do transferring athletes face?

Drawbacks include having to sit out a year before playing, credits not transferring, need to adjust to higher athletic/academic standards, leaving friends and teammates, learning new systems, and costs of transferring.

How does the increase in transfers impact athletic programs and coaches?

Effects on athletic programs include more time and expenses for recruiting replacements, lack of roster stability and cohesion, loss of previous investments in departed players, and increased competitive imbalance favoring elite programs.

What steps should athletes take when considering a transfer?

Experts recommend athletes talk to current coaches, confer with academics, research potential schools, contact other coaches, visit top choices, submit transfer portal paperwork, follow NCAA guidelines, and seek immediate eligibility waivers.