Pine Creek Alumni and United States Military Academies
The United States has five military academies: the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), the US Military Academy (USMA), the US Naval Academy (USNA), the US Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), and the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).
Some of Pine Creek's finest students have applied and been selected to attend one of these academies post-graduation. Included among these individuals is Matt Abate ('21) who recently spoke to interested Pine Creek students as part of the College Visit Series organized through the Pine Creek College and Career Center.
Grades Matter, But So Does Knowing How to Learn
As part of his presentation on being a student at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Matt spoke about the the campus, academics, sports and extracurricular programs, the application process, his experience in Basic Training, and the opportunity to graduate with a college degree debt-free. He also discussed the importance of knowing learning strategies and study skills, not just memorizing material, and emphasized that at the end of a course it is essential to know the required information (i.e. to have learned something), not just to get a good grade in the class.
Advice for Athletes Aspiring to Compete at the Collegiate Level
While attending classes at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Matt, who was on Pine Creek's Boys Soccer Team, now plays for the U.S. Coast Guards Men's Soccer Team. Half-way through his second year playing at the collegiate level, Matt had some advice for students interested in being a Next Level Athlete.
Embrace weight training now.
Why? When you get to college you will be playing against grown men and women in their early 20s. You can get out-muscled and knocked off your game if you are not physically strong.
Have proper focus on Academics.
Don't just memorize content. Make sure you're practicing good learning strategies and study skills.
Take training seriously.
In high school athletics and club sports, players often train with limited focus or energy. For an athlete selected to play at the college level, training with purpose and progressing is viewed as part of your “job” and responsibility. It's not something you just show up to, it's something you actively plan for and engage in while you're there.