“How do I get a sports scholarship?” 

“Will it be easier than getting an academic scholarship?” 

“Is it even worth my time?” 

According to Merriam Webster a scholarship is “a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation)” or “a fund of knowledge and learning.” Then we just have to add the words sport or academic to identify the differences between the two.

According to Athnet, “an athletic scholarship is an amount of financial aid awarded to a student-athlete from the college athletic department.” And according to GoCollege, “academic scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a high degree of scholastic aptitude and performance.” 

For now, we are talking about sport scholarships. But is trying hard to earn this type of scholarship worth it? It certainly is! If you are passionate about a sport, and willing to put in the time and practice, you might have the opportunity to earn a scholarship. If the chance is there, you should always try as hard as you can to achieve it. 

“You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits,” said Olympian Michael Phelps.

When you put forth hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals. How we earn it is the real question. According to CollegeData, “If you are banking on a sports scholarship to help pay for college, be aware that the competition for scholarships is fierce—and there are very few ‘full rides.’ Most awards only partially cover college costs and must be renewed annually.” 

Though it might not be easy, if you have the passion, go for it!