Chapter 36: JUST SAY NO – ROOKIE: Surviving Your Freshman Year of College Soccer

Hazing is illegal and it’s almost a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean that some teams don’t still engage in it. If it’s going to happen, it will happen during preseason. Don’t put yourself at risk just to fit in with the group. If you end up in an uncomfortable situation, have the courage to stand up for yourself and walk away.

Your coach doesn’t want the returning players hazing the rookies because it could cost him his job. If your older teammates attempt to haze the rookies, don’t be afraid to notify your coach so he can put a stop to it. I know it’s a difficult thing to do, but it’ll be better for everyone in the end.

You’re going to experience tremendous amounts of peer pressure in college. It’ll be even worse for you because you’re an athlete with a degree of celebrity. That makes you a trophy of sorts. When you arrive at college, you’re expected to be old enough to know the difference between right and wrong and to act accordingly. Keep that in mind. It’s not just about knowing what’s right and what’s wrong; it’s also about the action you take.

Don’t let other people, teammates or not, talk you into doing things you’re not comfortable with. Be strong enough to stand your ground! Your peers will respect your courage.

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