Why This Conversation Matters

College athletics can be an incredible opportunity - but it also carries real risks that families often don't talk about early enough. 

• 68% of recruited student-athletes quit by their sophomore year.
• The transfer portal can create chaos for underprepared athletes.
• Mental health is now the #1 reason athletes walk away.
• NIL deals bring pressure, as well as perks.
• A single injury can change everything
• Life after sports isn't automatic. Many athletes struggle with identity and direction.

Before your student commits, it’s worth slowing down to ask: Is the grind worth the cost - and how do we protect their well-being along the way?

What Mike Helps You Navigate

Recruiting & The Process

• Recruiting timelines and what coaches are actually looking for
• How to contact coaches and build a recruiting profile
• Managing unofficial visits, official visits, and offers
• What to do if you're being overlooked or starting late

Division Differences

• NCAA Division I, II, III - what really differs and what matters
• NAIA and junior college pathways
• Academic demands, athletic expectation, and team culture at each level

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)

• What NIL realistically looks like for most college athletes today
• How to evaluate opportunities without added pressure
• Balancing athletics, academics, and income expectations

The Real Questions

• Is college athletics the right path - or are there better alternatives?
• What level of play matches your goals, skill set, and lifestyle?
• How do you rebuild confidence after a difficult  athletic experience?
• What if you're recruited but unsure you want to commit?
• How do you prepare for life after sports - emotionally, mentally, and professionally?

College sports aren't all-or-nothing.

This experience provides perspective, clarity, and a plan - so families can move forward without regret.

How It Works: Three Sessions

Session 1: Student Only

An honest, athlete-to-athlete conversation. We explore goals, concerns, recruiting status, and what matters most to the student in their college athletic experience.

Session 2: Student + Parent/Guardian

A collaborative session to align expectations, discuss recruiting realities, review division options, talk through NIL, and build a realistic family game plan.

Session 3: Your Choice

Student Only OR Student + Parent/Guardian
We finalize decisions, address remaining questions, and create a clear action plan - whether that means committing, exploring walk-on opportunities, adjusting the target level, or choosing a different path.

Meet Mike O'Brien, LMSW

Athlete. Coach. Mental Health Expert.

Playing & Coaching Experience

• Special Teams – Drake University

• Assistant Coach, Kickers & Punters – Grand View University

• Special Teams Coach & Coordinator – multiple high schools (IL & AZ)

• Semi-professional playing career (IL & AZ)

• Three-year starting kicker – Northwestern College

Education & Credentials

• Sport Social Work Certification – University of Michigan (in progress)

• M.A. Sports Administration & Educational Leadership – Aurora University

• Master of Social Work (MSW) – Aurora University

• B.A. Psychology – Northwestern College

Get clarity, a game plan, and next steps you can trust. Start the To Play or Not To Play Package today!