We’re passionate about helping families navigate the world of youth activities, education, and personal growth. One question that occasionally piques the curiosity of parents and students alike is: What sports do the children of college admissions officers typically play? While there’s no universal answer, patterns and trends do emerge based on access, culture, and insight into the admissions process.
At The Kids Point, we’ve observed that children with unique exposure to higher education environments often gravitate toward sports that reflect discipline, leadership and long-term commitment—traits valued in the admissions landscape. These might include tennis, fencing, rowing or cross-country, which are not only respected but often associated with prestigious institutions.
Understanding these tendencies doesn’t mean parents should force their kids into a specific sport. Rather, it highlights how extracurricular choices—when genuine and consistent—can align with a student’s broader academic and personal journey.
Understanding the Influence of College Admissions Officers
Before we dive into the sports themselves, it’s important to understand who college admissions officers are and how they operate. These professionals review student applications, balancing academic achievements with extracurricular activities like sports, arts, leadership, and community involvement.
Because they are deeply familiar with what selective colleges look for admissions officers often guide their own children toward well-rounded resumes. Sports are a significant part of that. They offer physical health benefits, foster discipline and teamwork, and—perhaps most crucially in the college process—help applicants stand out.
Why Sports Matter in College Admissions
Sports often hold substantial weight in the college admissions process. Not just for NCAA recruitment, but also for holistic admissions, where colleges seek students who show commitment, leadership, and personal development. Sports can:
- Demonstrate long-term dedication
- Show growth through adversity
- Indicate leadership and teamwork skills
- Highlight time management and academic balance
Admissions officers know this firsthand, and it informs how they raise and guide their children.
Factors That Influence Sports Selection
Let’s explore some of the common factors that determine which sports admissions officers’ children might play:
Access and Resources: Admissions officers often work at selective or elite institutions and may live in areas where access to sports facilities and coaching is greater. This can lead their children toward niche or high-cost sports.
Strategic Thinking: These parents are aware of “non-crowded” sports where colleges are actively looking for participants—sports where competition is less fierce but where a recruited athlete tag still carries weight.
Academic Fit: Some sports are more popular at academically elite institutions. Children of admissions officers may gravitate toward sports that are common among their future peer groups at such schools.
Family Values and Interests: Just like any other family, personal preference and enjoyment matter too. Parents may guide but rarely force their kids into sports they dislike.
Most Common Sports Played by Admissions Officers’ Kids
Now, let’s look at some of the sports that frequently come up when examining this unique demographic.
Tennis
Why it’s popular: Tennis is an individual sport that showcases discipline, strategy, and long-term development. It’s widely available in high schools and clubs, and colleges (especially Division III schools) look favorably on tennis players.
Why admissions officers like it: It shows personal responsibility and competitiveness. Matches also don’t interfere heavily with academics, which is a plus.
Swimming
Why it’s popular: Swimming builds resilience and focus, with early morning practices and rigorous training schedules. It’s highly respected among elite colleges.
Why admissions officers like it: Swimming signals a strong work ethic and dedication—traits that admissions teams value in applicants.
Rowing (Crew)
Why it’s popular: Rowing is considered a “recruitable” sport at Ivy League and other elite colleges, and it has relatively low participation nationwide.
Why admissions officers like it: Fewer high school students compete in crew, which increases chances of being recruited if the student excels. It’s also closely associated with academic excellence.
Fencing
Why it’s popular: Fencing is a niche sport but has strong representation at top-tier universities.
Why admissions officers like it: It’s intellectual, strategic, and relatively rare, which makes a fencing athlete stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Soccer
Why it’s popular: Widely accessible and beloved by many, soccer is an ideal team sport for early engagement.
Why admissions officers like it: Though it’s highly competitive in terms of college recruitment, soccer helps demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and commitment when played seriously.
Lacrosse
Why it’s popular: Especially in the Northeastern U.S., lacrosse is a major sport among private and preparatory school students.
Why admissions officers like it: There are many recruitment opportunities in Division I and Division III schools. Admissions officers in this region know the recruiting pipeline well.
Cross Country and Track
Why it’s popular: Running requires minimal equipment and has a low barrier to entry, but high rewards in terms of personal development.
Why admissions officers like it: Running shows personal accountability and perseverance, plus it doesn’t distract from academics as heavily as some team sports might.
Squash
Why it’s popular: Squash is highly favored at elite prep schools and has strong roots in Ivy League admissions.
Why admissions officers like it: Its exclusivity can be a plus in niche recruitment strategies. It also aligns with a high-achieving peer group.
Golf
Why it’s popular: Golf combines patience, focus, and strategic play—all of which are valued in a student athlete.
Why admissions officers like it: Golf has a strong presence at many colleges, especially in Division II and III. It’s also relatively flexible around school schedules.
Skiing
Why it’s popular: In regions where it’s available, skiing offers both recreational and competitive paths. It’s especially common in families located near the Rockies or in the Northeast.
Why admissions officers like it: Skiing demands athletic precision and can stand out as a unique interest, particularly when combined with strong academics.
Sports Less Common Among Admissions Officers’ Kids
While every child is different, certain sports are less commonly encouraged by parents in academia:
- Football: While popular nationally, concerns about injury and the heavy time commitment can dissuade some families.
- Wrestling: Though intense and respected, it can be physically taxing and may not align with the lifestyle or values of more academically focused households.
- Cheerleading: Still seen by some as less competitive in the college recruitment process, although this is rapidly changing.
How Participation in Sports Helps Beyond Admissions
Even if sports don’t directly result in athletic recruitment, they contribute to:
- Strong Letters of Recommendation from coaches or athletic directors
- Powerful Personal Essays that discuss leadership, growth, and perseverance
- Positive Interview Impressions where a student can speak confidently about their passions and discipline
Children of admissions officers are often coached to articulate these connections—something other students and families can learn from.
Real-World Examples (Anecdotal Insights)
While data on this exact group (admissions officers’ children) isn’t formally collected, anecdotal evidence from interviews and academic forums reveals recurring themes:
- At universities like Yale and Princeton, rowing, squash, and fencing are disproportionately common.
- At Stanford and MIT, students involved in cross-country, tennis, or swimming tend to align well with the academic-athletic profile.
- Children of admissions professionals at liberal arts colleges often engage in versatile sports like track or tennis that can be pursued without dominating academic schedules.
Tips for Families Trying to Strategically Choose Sports
Start with the Child’s Passion: No matter what an admissions officer might choose, the child’s interest should come first. Passion leads to commitment, which leads to achievement.
Balance Academics and Athletics: Colleges are still most interested in students who excel in the classroom. Choose a sport that leaves space for academic success.
Look Into Less Crowded Sports: Consider fencing, rowing, or squash if your child shows interest and there are local programs available.
Track Progress and Involvement: Depth of commitment is more important than the number of sports. Stick with one or two, and aim to show leadership or excellence.
At The Kids Point, we believe in helping parents and children make informed decisions about education, enrichment, and personal development. While there’s no one-size-fits-all path, looking at what college admissions officers choose for their own kids provides helpful insight. These parents often favor sports that build strong character, offer strategic admissions advantages and align with academic values. Whether your child chooses tennis, swimming, or rowing—or finds joy in a sport that simply makes them feel alive—the key is consistency, effort, and passion. With the right balance, sports can become a powerful part of your child’s story.