Bold, dedicated, employed and full-time students have what it takes to be De Anza student athletes while juggling a full-time schedule.

The first step for prospective student athletes is to contact the team coaches. Students have to call them ahead of time, because all contact with coaches must be done prior to the season,so that student-athletes can participate in a conditioning program before the season begins due to the amount of skill necessary to play. 

It may be too late to join a sports team this quarter, but do not wait until September when fall quarter begins to contact coaches. Contact is “probably the most important thing to do,” said De Anza Athletic Director Kulwant Singh. Be sure to call about a month advance or go to the De Anza College Athletics website for dates, schedules and all contact information.

In order to join a sports team on campus, you must be enrolled full time. For first-year student-athletes, cumulative GPA does not affect elibility to join a team. However, by their second year, athletes are required to have completed 36 quarter units and have maintained a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Keep in mind the time required in order to be a member of a sports group. 

“It takes about six to 12 hours of practice a week in addition to games. It’s a Monday-to-Friday commitment,” said Singh. However, the estimated time and days dependent on the sports team. Some sports, like track and field and football, have meets or games a week. More practice is necessary, compared to other sports teams like soccer that have games generally twice a week. 

The time spent dedicated as an athlete may make an individual question whether he or she will have the time necessary for participating on a sports team. But do not be discouraged. Time is no excuse for inhibiting most individuals from joining since many fair amount of De Anza student-athletes who juggle full-time status, work, family and other responsibilities. 

“Student-athletes can juggle school, work and their team very well, said Singh. Their GPAs and transfer rates are usually higher than non-athletes. There is data on that everywhere,” said Singh.

The De Anza College Athletics website claims that student-athletes are “very successful in terms of retention.” -90 percent and 87 percent for transfer. According to communitycollegereview.com, community college athletes have been signed to pro leagues directly out of two-year colleges as well. Yet for those who prefer to transfer in order to seek better opportunities, there are some safeguarded scholarships for student athletes. An estimated $1.4 million was available for athletic and academic scholarships for student athletes in the 2009-2010 school year, according to the athletics website. 

College athletics offer many opportunities for De Anza students, but you cannot be afraid to get involved.