Be Careful What You Wish For: The Truth About Playing College Baseball
A lot of young athletes dream of playing college baseball—but most have no idea what they’re walking into. This blog breaks down the gap between expectations and reality. From being recruited over to being lied to during the process, we explore what it really means to "just want to play in college"—and why that wish often comes with a brutal price.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
5/30/20252 min read
Be Careful What You Wish For: The Truth About Playing College Baseball
The Problem: Everyone Wants to “Play College Baseball”—Until They Get There
Ask any high school athlete what they want, and the answer’s predictable:
“I just want to play college baseball.”
But most don’t understand what that actually means.
This guest doesn’t sugarcoat it:
“You’ll get it—but you won’t get it the way you think.”
“They win for a living. They will lie to you. You’re never safe.”
That’s not bitterness—it’s realism.
If your athlete wants to play in college, do they really know what that looks like?
Drop your thoughts in the comments of the video—we want to hear how your family is preparing.
The Recruiting Game: It’s Not What You Think
Many players and parents still believe in the idea that a coach “wants” them like family.
But college coaches have one job: win.
And they’ll:
Say what they need to sign you
Bring in competition every year
Replace you mid-season if you can’t produce
Keep recruiting over you, no matter your stats
This isn’t evil. It’s just how the system works.
The Mental Trap: Thinking the Offer Is the Goal
The offer isn’t the goal—it’s the starting point.
Players show up to campus believing they’ve “made it.”
But what they don’t realize is:
You’re at the bottom again
No one owes you anything
Everyone is bigger, faster, more experienced
The pressure to perform never turns off
The Shift: Know What You're Signing Up For
The mindset shift every athlete must make is simple:
Stop treating college baseball as the reward.
Start treating it as the next challenge in the grind.
Because once you're there, the machine keeps moving.
You either keep up—or you get replaced.
Key Takeaways for Parents, Athletes, and Coaches
✅ Most players don’t know what “playing college baseball” really involves
✅ Coaches will say what’s needed to win—it’s not always personal
✅ The offer is just the beginning of the pressure
✅ You’re competing every day for your spot—no matter your talent
✅ Athletes must prepare mentally, not just physically, for this transition
How Sore to Soaring Prepares Athletes for the Hard Truth
At Sore to Soaring, we don’t sell dreams—we build durable athletes.
We help young players understand the realities of recruitment, college systems, and long-term development.
No false hope. No shortcuts. Just structured, honest preparation.
Because if you really want it—you better know what it costs.
🌍 Support our mission at:
👉 www.SoreToSoaring.org
Disclaimer
The views shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. Always consult a qualified professional before making college or recruiting decisions. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
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