Skip to content

To Play Or Not To Play....

That is the question.

Is Playing in College the
Right  Next Step?

We guide high school athletes (and their parents) through the real-life decision of whether college sports — and which level — is truly right for them.  

No pressure. Just clarity and support, from the mental health lens every athlete deserves.

Is 'To Play Or Not To Play' the Right Fit for Your Athlete?
Take our 60-second quiz to find out—then see if a session with Mike, our coach-therapist, is the right next step for your family.

College athletics should be a thoughtful choice—whether you're being recruited, overlooked, or rebuilding after a hard high school experience.

“To Play or Not to Play” helps athletes explore what they truly want next—even if the path hasn't been perfect.

Because college sports aren’t all-or-nothing. This experience offers clarity, perspective, and real-world insight—so your family can move forward with confidence and no regrets.

Click below to get signed up for the first of three sessions with Mike!

Why It Matters

  • 68% of recruited college athletes quit by their sophomore year

  • The transfer portal can create chaos for under-prepared athletes

  • Mental health is now the #1 reason athletes walk away

  • NIL deals bring pressure as well as perks

  • A Single Injury Can End a Season — and a Scholarship

  • Life After Sports Isn’t Automatic
    Many athletes struggle with identity, career planning, and purpose when their playing days end.

Before your student commits, let’s talk through whether the grind is worth the glory—and how to protect their well-being along the way.

TPONTP Small

Meet Mike O'Brien

Football Career: From Player to Coach

  • Special Teams – Drake University (IA)
  • Assistant Coach, Kickers & Punters – Grand View University (IA)
  • Kicking/Punting /Special Teams Coach and Coordinator in multiple high schools in IL and AZ.
  • Semi-professional Playing Career (IL/AZ)
  • Three-year Starting Kicker – Northwestern College (IA)

Academic & Certification History

  • University of Michigan - Sport Social Work Certification: Focused on athlete mental health and integrating social work within athletic settings (in progress)
  • Master of Arts in Sports Administration-Educational Leadership – Aurora University (IL)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW) – Aurora University (IL)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Northwestern College (IA)

 

MO Hamilton Photo

What’s Included (3 Total Sessions):

You’ll get 1 Family Session and 2 Student Sessions — with flexibility built in.

✅ Family Session (Student + Parents)
We align expectations, unpack the college athletics landscape (NCAA rules, NIL basics, recruiting myths), and explore the family’s hopes, concerns, and long-term goals.

✅ Student Sessions (2)
Private, 1-on-1 conversations with Mike that explore identity, pressure points, motivation, and whether college athletics—at any level—feels like the right next step.

⏳ Customize the Flow
We typically start with the student, but we’re flexible based on what works best for your family.

Curious to learn more? Book a quick, 15-minute chat with Mike and get all your questions answered!