The Biggest Mistake Athletes Make When Choosing a College

Should NIL money be the biggest factor when choosing a college?

What happens when rankings, recruiting, coaching changes, and the transfer portal all influence one of the biggest decisions of your life?

In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Wake Forest and Tennessee standout and current professional basketball player Jewel Spear to discuss what really matters when choosing a college.

Jewel shares how she navigated recruiting, transferred to Tennessee, handled multiple coaching changes, and balanced NIL opportunities with her long-term goals. She also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of college basketball, why mental health became a priority, and the lessons she hopes the next generation of athletes will learn before making their own decisions.

Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into today's college sports landscape.

In This Episode

- Why rankings don't define your future

- How to evaluate NIL opportunities the right way

- The real reason Jewel transferred from Wake Forest to Tennessee

- Navigating coaching changes during your college career

- Why campus visits matter more than social media

- The importance of finding the right fit over chasing money

- Mental health, therapy, and building resilience as an athlete

- Advice for athletes preparing for the recruiting process

About Jewel Spear

Jewel Spear is a professional basketball player who starred at Wake Forest before transferring to the University of Tennessee.

Known as one of the nation's top shooters, she has built her career through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth. Off the court, Jewel is passionate about mentorship, communication, and pursuing opportunities in sports broadcasting.

Key Takeaways

- Choose the school that's the best fit—not just the biggest NIL offer.

- Rankings may open doors, but they don't determine your success.

- Coaching changes are part of college athletics, and adaptability is essential.

- Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as developing your game.

- Building meaningful relationships can have a lasting impact far beyond basketball.

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Keep in Touch:

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en

Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en