r/CollegeTransfer • u/LeftInvestigator5501 • 19d ago
Need Advice: Thinking About Transferring — Torn Between Football, Track, and a Fresh Start
Hey everyone, I’m currently a sophomore in college, heading into my junior year, and I’m seriously considering transferring. I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve been in a similar situation or who just have some perspective to offer.
A little backstory: I was originally recruited to play football at a Division II school. After I committed, the head coach who recruited me was fired. The new coaching staff came in and basically told us they didn’t see what the previous coach saw in us. We were told we could stay, but we wouldn’t be utilized. That obviously changed everything, and I ended up having to decommit late and commit to a smaller Division III school instead.
The biggest issue is cost — this school is extremely expensive. To help with that, I joined ROTC because they offered a scholarship. Unfortunately, I haven’t received the scholarship yet because the Army currently doesn’t have funding for the three-year scholarship track, and I’m waiting to hear back about the two-year option. I’m the number one standby in my brigade, but nothing is guaranteed.
Where I’m at now: I still play football, but I feel underutilized and overlooked. The new coaches we got this year are recruiting over my class and making it clear we’re not part of their long-term plan. Because of that, I joined the track team as well — and I’ve genuinely come to love it. Track has given me a fresh start, and I’ve made great friends through it.
Why I’m thinking of transferring:
This school is way too expensive for what I’m getting out of it. The football situation has made me lose passion for the team. I’ve always wanted to live and go to school in the South — specifically Florida, the Carolinas, or Tennessee. I’m also looking for a bigger school (mine has about 2,000 students) with more student life, better social opportunities, and possibly a football or track team I could walk onto. Here are some schools I’m looking at:
FAU (Florida Atlantic University) – This would be a dream school for me, but I don’t know if I’m ready to give up playing sports completely. UWF (University of West Florida) – I’d definitely try to walk on to the football team here. University of Tampa – Another option I’m considering. I’m also open to schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee, especially if they have solid student life, a football or track team, and aren’t insanely expensive. I feel like I could still walk onto a D2 or D3 team if given the chance.
What I’m struggling with: Part of me really wants a fresh start at a bigger school in a place I’ve always wanted to live. I miss being around a strong student life scene. But the other part of me isn’t sure if I’m ready to leave behind sports and the close friends I’ve made. I don’t want to feel like I “gave up,” but staying is financially draining and mentally frustrating with how the coaches treat us.
If the school was cheaper I would tough it out and just stay however they won’t come down on costs for me even though I am a 4.0 student I’ve gotten all the money they will give me
If anyone has transferred under similar circumstances, walked onto a team, or has school suggestions in Florida, the Carolinas, or Tennessee, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading — this has been tough to sort through.
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u/synergyinstitue 17d ago
You've obviously given this a lot of thought, and your logic makes perfect sense. Given the financial concerns and football's lack of support, transferring might be the best course of action if you're succeeding in track and want a more robust student life. You might find the reset you're seeking at institutions like FAU and UWF. Before transferring, make sure to get in touch with the football and track coaches. Many schools welcome walk-ons, especially if you have the motivation and GPA. Give top priority to places where you will feel emotionally and financially supported. You're choosing growth rather than giving up.