Thanksgiving Talk
This one is for all the aunts and uncles, extended family, and even Granny. Yup, I said it. Nobody’s off-limits. Thanksgiving is one of the best days of the year. We come together, we eat like champions, we laugh about stories we’ve heard a hundred times, and we get to be in the same room, even if only for a day.
And for the better part of the last decade, Thanksgiving has also turned into that holiday where certain conversation topics are intentionally avoided to keep the peace.
In alignment with that approach, we want to remind all of our families of something simple:
When it comes to the college-bound senior, let’s enjoy their final Thanksgiving as a full-time resident of the house without any added pressures about where they’re going to college.
Every college counselor will tell you the same thing, and if you check your inbox today you’ll probably see the reminder, because Thanksgiving has basically become the unofficial “give the seniors a break” email day in this world. This moment matters. The recruiting and admissions journey is intense and emotional, and whether a student-athlete has already signed, is still waiting, or is navigating late changes, they’re already carrying plenty. So let Thanksgiving be a soft place to land
A quick word for student-athletes (because the pressure is different)
For student-athletes, there’s even more pressure baked into Thanksgiving conversations:
“Have you heard back from coaches yet?”
“What division are you going?”
“Are you sure that school’s a good fit?”
“What if you get a better offer?”
Here’s what we want you to remember: everyone’s recruiting journey looks different.
Some athletes commit early.
Some break out late.
Some switch levels.
Some choose academics first.
Some change their minds.
Some are still waiting on financial packages.
Some are still figuring out who they are outside of their sport.
There is no one “right timeline” and the journey is rarely linear.
Now, let’s talk NIL
We know NIL can spark strong opinions at the dinner table. We’ve all heard it:
“It’s ruining college sports.”
“Kids only care about money now.”
“Back in my day…”
We get it. NIL is new. It’s changing fast. It’s complex. But here’s a better way to use that energy: instead of debating NIL, help your student-athlete dream and connect dots.
Reframe the discussion toward things that actually support them:
Career alignment:
“What brands, causes, or industries fit who you are and what you want to do later?”Brand partnership ideas:
“You’ve always been into fitness, fashion, coaching, or tech. Have you thought about partners in that space?”Network support:
“I know someone who works at ____ or owns ____. Want an intro to learn more?”
That right there is family NIL support at its best. Not hype. Not pressure. Just real-world connection and encouragement. So if NIL comes up this Thanksgiving, let it be a conversation that empowers, not divides.
Supporting your home team
If you’re family to a student-athlete, you’re already part of their support team, and support doesn’t always mean advice. Sometimes it’s being present, celebrating effort, letting them breathe, trusting the process, and reminding them they’re more than their next decision. So this Thanksgiving, give your senior what they need most: a seat at the table where they’re loved, not evaluated. From all of us at Polaris Athlete, Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of their journey.