This article from Proactive Coaching, written by guest writer Stephanie Hauser, Athletic Director at Stevens Point Area High School in Wisconsin, examines the decline of the three-sport high school athlete. Drawing on her experience as both an athletic director and the mother of a tri-sport athlete, she offers practical suggestions for parents, coaches, and athletic directors to support and encourage multi-sport participation.
Introduction
In our high school last year, 6% of our athlete population participated in three-sports. This number has been consistent over the five years that I have been at our school. I'm confident that our school is not alone and that state-wide and nation-wide, the number of three-sport athletes is likely in the single digits or on the decline.
There are many studies that discuss the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, so why does it appear that the three-sport athlete is a dying breed? Of course many reasons come quickly to mind – year-round club sports, extended high school seasons, additional summer contact, parents that believe their son or daughter is a scholarship athlete, the costs of recruiting services, the costs of 1 on 1 training…the list could go on and on.