How to Become a Professional Athlete

Insights from a Professional Athlete

Get an inside look at what it’s like to play professional lacrosse from training routines and travel schedules to balancing multiple jobs. In this interview, a professional athlete shares how passion, discipline, and teamwork shape life on and off the field. Hear firsthand what makes the sport both challenging and rewarding.

Career Insights from a Professional Athlete

For this professional lacrosse player, the journey started with passion. “I first fell in love with the sport when I started playing, and I was fortunate enough to continue in college,” he shares. After college, he didn’t expect to keep playing until he was drafted into Major League Lacrosse.

He describes professional play as a constant challenge: “Each year, I have to re-earn that opportunity to play, which makes it exciting and highly competitive.” Success takes year-round conditioning, self-discipline, and staying connected with teammates despite limited practice time.

During the summer season, games happen on weekends while players train and work during the week. “Most everyone in the league has another job outside of it,” he explains. Even with a demanding travel schedule, he values the experience: “The biggest pro is getting to compete at a high level... and hanging out with your friends.” For him, the game’s rewards go far beyond the field.

Common FAQ About Becoming a Professional Athlete

How do you become a professional athlete?

Most professional lacrosse players start by playing in college programs across the U.S. “A lot of the guys that play in the outdoor league come through playing Division I lacrosse,” he explains. “There’s a good number of guys who play Division II and Division III, and some who come from the indoor lacrosse system in Canada.”

What education or background do you need to play professionally?

While there’s no formal degree requirement, many athletes gain experience and exposure through college sports programs. Playing at a high collegiate level can open doors to professional opportunities and draft consideration.

What kind of training do professional athletes do?

Training is a year-round commitment focused on physical conditioning, endurance, and skill development. “You’ve got to be in shape all the time,” he says. “You’ve got to have your skills really sharp all the time.”

How competitive is it to become a professional athlete?

Extremely competitive. “In our outdoor league, there’s only eight teams,” he explains. “It’s really competitive to get on a roster and stay on a roster.” Maintaining performance consistency is critical to keeping your spot.

What does a typical week look like for a professional athlete?

During the season, most players train and work during the week, then travel for games on the weekend. “Our season’s in the summertime... we play on the weekends,” he says. “During the week, I might be running a camp or doing trainings, and then on the weekend we fly to wherever we’re playing.”

Do professional athletes have other jobs?

Yes. Many athletes balance another job alongside their athletic career. “Most everyone in the league has another job outside of it,” he notes, often coaching, training, or working in related fields during the week.

What are the pros of being a professional athlete?

“The biggest pro is getting to compete at a high level,” he says. It keeps athletes motivated and disciplined. Another major perk is community: “Some of my best friends in my life are on our team... that helps us stay engaged to do other things outside of the game.”

What are the challenges of being a professional athlete?

Balancing time, maintaining peak performance, and travel fatigue are major challenges. “It does get tiring sometimes when you’re flying from California back to Baltimore... and then flying home,” he admits. Staying in shape and self-motivated without daily team practices can also be difficult.

How much travel is involved in professional sports?

Travel is a big part of the lifestyle. Teams often play across the country, which means frequent flights and quick turnarounds. “We get flights, accommodations, and airline miles,” he says. “It’s kind of crazy, but also part of the beauty of the game.”

What do professional athletes enjoy most about their careers?

Beyond competition, many value the relationships and personal growth that come with the sport. “You learn a lot of lessons outside of sport that you’ll end up using in other places,” he reflects. The friendships, travel, and teamwork make the experience uniquely rewarding.