How playing sports at a 4 year university and junior college is similar

Saddleback women’s soccer listening to the national anthem in their game against Santa Barbara Community College. | Braden Biller

Many people doubt the level or the reason for playing sports at the junior college level. While without knowledge of the competition, some people believe it’s a glorified high school game just in a slightly bigger setting. While some of that may be true, I believe it is much more than that. 

“Even though sometimes junior colleges can be seen as a ‘lower level’, I don’t agree with that.” said Pricillia Barker, bounce-back from Hawaii Pacific University. “I think that everyone is still a family and it makes it so fun being around the girls.”

Junior college sports are just as competitive as division level universities. The players still have to fight for everything; playing time, jersey numbers, captain spots and push through injuries throughout the season. 

Most junior college level players are very talented and are there because they did not get picked up by a school that they wanted. Junior colleges can get some top level division one athletes that slipped through the cracks which has proven to be crucial on teams.

“Games are still so important to people no matter the level.” said Jacinda Rivera, bounce back from Hope International University. “It is important to the players because it is practically their lives, it is important to the coaches because they love the team and drive everyone to win and it is important to the fans. They would travel out when I went to a university and they still travel out here.”

Junior colleges also match the competitive level of a university. Most players that play at the junior college level have hopes of going on and playing at a 4 year school. This creates much competition for athletes wanting the most minutes, best statistics and pushing them to show their peak performance, so the athlete can be added to a list of prospects. 

While junior college can have some competition within the roster, it also creates a family-like bond between athletes. Although players that go to universities have more time with the players for 4 years, junior colleges also help athletes make life-long bonds. 

After spending hours together on the field, in the weight room, watching film and on bus rides, it helps the team come together. This is when memories can be made and bonds are formed. The team ultimately wins and loses together which also creates a common goal for the team to work towards. 

Additionally, some sports at the junior college level get the opportunity to do overnight trips as well, which is a great way to prepare for a four year college since some away games are overnight stay games. It is also great to learn responsibility and learn how to do a pre-game routine in a different atmosphere. 

While there are some small differences between 4 year universities and junior colleges, I believe there are a lot of similarities that ultimately bring competitiveness and fun for all student athletes no matter the level.

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