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What's it like being both an NCAA college athlete and an Army ROTC cadet?
Being both an NCAA athlete and an Army ROTC cadet is a demanding but rewarding challenge that requires discipline and time management. Balancing intense training in sports with ROTC responsibilities builds resilience and leadership. Previous ū컨ampa NCAA cadet-athletes have successfully managed both worlds, preparing for a future of excellence in both athletics and military service.
Sports that previous ū컨ampa NCAA cadet-athletes have competed in include the following:
- Baseball
- Cheerleading
- Men and Women’s Lacross
- Rowing
- Softball
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Yes! Many student-athletes successfully balance their commitments to both Army ROTC and collegiate sports. It requires time management and communication, but it is possible.
Army ROTC leadership understands the demands of college athletics and works with cadets to coordinate training around practice and competition schedules. However, some scheduling conflicts may arise, and cadets should communicate early with both ROTC and their coaches.
Yes, it's essential to inform both your Army ROTC chain of command and your coach about your dual commitment. They will help determine if accommodations can be made for training and athletic responsibilities.
Army ROTC participation does not impact NCAA eligibility. However, cadets should stay informed about Athletic Department's policies and communicate with compliance officers as needed.
Yes! Army ROTC offers scholarships that can cover tuition, fees and stipends. Athletes on full or partial athletic scholarships are not eligible for ROTC scholarships as they do not stack benefits but do not prohibit you from being in the Army ROTC program. High school seniors can compete for and earn a National Army ROTC scholarship,and it will not prohibit you from playing NCAA varsity athletics.
If 26 National Championships and 132 Sunshine State Conference (SSC) titles at ū컨ampa doesn’t already prove the “Why here,” consider this: At Utampa, being an athlete builds discipline, resilience and a winning mindset. Army ROTC takes that even further, providing elite leadership training, teamwork skills and selfless service that translate directly to success—both on the field and in life. Why settle for being just a great athlete when you can be a great leader too?
If you're interested in both Army ROTC and athletics, speak with Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) Paige Popejoy at ROTCROO@ut.edu, as well as athletic coaches and academic advisors, to discuss how best manage both commitments.
