Can I?

FreeRibbion · #1 11-16-2008, 02:25 PM

I want to be Greek and I know which one I want to belong to, the problem is that I am an student athlete now and I am not sure if I can pledge and still be on the team..... I don't want to wait until Grad Chapter because I feel that I could still bring a lot to the organization now as a young African-American woman student athlete..... is there a way to do them both? both take a big commitment to do and I feel I could do it.....I know in the rush process you have to be solely dedicated to the organization but NCAA also is a big counter part......

What should I do or what can i do in this situation?

A friend of mine also wants to pledge and has talked to me about what she should do because her boyfriend is not supporting her but I have been low key about mine. One of her good friends is Greek already and i feel like if I was to tell her she would tell her friend. I know her friend knows she want to pledge and gives her hint to what should be be ready for, I just don't want it to seem like I am following her when i am not, I have just kept it a secret like it should be.

XOMichelle · #2 11-16-2008, 06:05 PM

You know, I've always been of the opinion that if something means a lot to you, then you find the time to do to it.

I know that in my div 1 school, athletes were highly recruited for sorority membership, and very valuable members. If you think you want to try it, go for it! If you are upfront about what kind of time commitment you can handle, no one is going to expect more from you. These are volunteer orgs, and everyone understands (or should understand) that people have different levels of time they can and want to devote.

best of luck!

BetteDavisEyes · #3 11-16-2008, 06:09 PM

It's all about time management. Keep in mind that you are at school for an education primarily. That should always be your first priority. Athletics and sorority can be fulfilling, fun and important. Just make sure you prioritize your time and you should be fine.

Benzgirl · #4 11-16-2008, 07:16 PM

We had several athletes in our house and it's Division 1A. The others are correct; it's all about time management.

FreeRibbion · #5 11-17-2008, 02:43 AM

yes I am Division 1 also, all of you are right about the time management, but my thing is that I can't miss practice or things of that nature..... but I really do thing what was said about telling them about my time, and the time I can devote to them will help somewhat.

I just don't want to miss out on this opportunity......

I also don't want to be treated differently because of my commitment with NCAA but I can't really help that.... will that hurt my chances???

Kansas City · #6 11-17-2008, 11:23 AM

My experience has been that Greek chapters will likely be interested in you for membership but your limiting factor may be your coach's attitude toward Greek life on your campus. Some athletic departments are very supportive of social organizations while others prefer you to remain focused on your studies (#1) and sport (#2), especially if you are on an athletic scholarship. I'd look to your athletic department to determine if there are other athletes participating in Greek life. If so, they may be your best resource about how to manage your organization with your sport.

Senusret I · #7 11-17-2008, 11:29 AM

It sounds like you're interested in an NPHC sorority. Quite honestly, I was friends with people whose coaches forbade them from pledging. In fact, since I've been in school, I can count on one hand the Division I athletes who pledged: two Ques and one AKA. Each participated in intake during the off-season (the football players pledged in the spring and the AKA basketball player pledged in late spring).

I think it would be best to attend the events of the sorority you want to join as you can and ultimately befriend the women in the chapter. They are truly the only ones who can give you the best advice in this situation. (And possibly your coach, but you might not want to confide in your coach just yet)

Senusret I · #8 11-17-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kansas City

My experience has been that Greek chapters will likely be interested in you for membership but your limiting factor may be your coach's attitude toward Greek life on your campus. Some athletic departments are very supportive of social organizations while others prefer you to remain focused on your studies (#1) and sport (#2), especially if you are on an athletic scholarship. I'd look to your athletic department to determine if there are other athletes participating in Greek life. If so, they may be your best resource about how to manage your organization with your sport.

I totally agree with this -- I totally overlooked it when I first posted.