How to Overcome the Pressure of Not Going Division 1

The Day I Committed to Marian University

My Background

At a young age I got the opportunity to start playing basketball. I grew up with three older siblings and one younger, so it is something I have always been surrounded by. It became something that was easy for me to pick up and the game came to me easily. Growing up I became really successful and well known for my accomplishments. By the time I got to high school I was getting a lot of division 1 offers and it was expected of me to accept one of those offers. Out of the blue I decided to commit at an NAIA school, Marian University. I was questioned for my decision and was made out to be crazy for not going bigger with my skill level. To be able to turn down all your division 1 offers for an NAIA schools takes a lot of respect for yourself and knowing whats best for you, and not going big for the sake of others.

Why I Turned Down D1 Offers

Having the opportunity to play division 1 is a big deal, especially in Indiana. I didn't look at it that way. Basketball is basketball. Winning is winning. Losing is losing. Would you rather go division 1 and win ten games or go NAIA and have the opportunity to play for a National Championship? Luckily I had the opportunity to come to Marian University three years ago under Katie Gearlds, who is now the head coach at Purdue University. The culture at Marian is insane. Yes for basketball, but also for every other sport played here. We all win! It is so much fun getting to support other teams and their success as they will do the same for you. Another reason for choosing Marian was the location. I personally wanted to stay close to home, and this is the closest I can get to my hometown and I am so thankful for that.

How To Respond

The one thing you do not want to do is react to others opinion about your college decision. If I did this throughout my process then I would've never gone NAIA as so many people are judgmental, even people who you don't even know. If it's a school that you love, feels like home, and makes you happy then thats all that matters. Especially as of right now, where everyone is entering the transfer portal because division 1 isn't all fun and games, as it's an actual job. You are the one who will be going through the process for four years, so you need to make sure it's a place and level that you will be able to handle for that long. Ignore what everyone else has to think. Everyone will have their own opinion and will think you made a mistake on a choice of college. All you can control is if you are happy, how you respond to those kinds of people, and once you are at the school then how you perform to show them that you're still the player they loved watching. If people can't accept that then they weren't true supporters to begin with.