Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Athletes love the thrill of good competition -- especially when it ends in victory. As a result, many athletes transitioning from high school to college find it difficult to play with a team mentality, especially if they were the star players on their teams.

"Top high school athletes often become intoxicated with their own excellence," explains Dr. Susan Lipkins, author of "Preventing Hazing" (Jossey-Bass, 2006), which examines group dynamics within athletic teams. "Then they go to college and discover that everyone there was number one in their high school."

But the athletes that truly shine aren't the ones who fight to defend their "all star" status -- they're the ones who use their strengths to benefit the team. "Sportsmanship will get you noticed by your coach," she explains. "It shows that beyond ability, you have respect and trust. Somebody who can demonstrate that is a leader, and stands out. Both your coaches and your teammates will notice that."

Here are some tips from Brandi Chastain, soccer star on the U.S. National Team since 1987 and author of "It's Not About the Bra" (HarperCollins, 2004), for stepping up your sportsmanship:

1. If you can't lose gracefully, don't play the game.


2. If you can't win gracefully, you're not a true winner.


3. When you mess up, own up. Stop blaming the coach, the ref, your teammates, or that barking dog.


4. Be supportive from the sidelines or put a sock in it.


5. It's more valuable to assist than to score.

http://www.collegesurfing.com/content
Paul D. Rosevear is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments