Can I Be an Engineer and an Athlete?

It’s one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions in the recruiting process. The short answer: yes, but it’s extremely difficult. This article profiles a mechanical engineering major and D1 swimmer at UC Berkeley, to show just how challenging the path can be.

From inflexible class schedules and cross-country travel to limited academic support, her experience highlights what it really takes to succeed in both worlds. The article also explores why some student-athletes may thrive more at Division III STEM-focused schools, where academic support is stronger and travel demands are lighter.

Robbie Church served as the Duke Women’s Soccer Head Coach from 2001 to 2024 (24 seasons), transforming the program into a national powerhouse with four NCAA College Cup appearances and three ACC regular-season titles. Over his 39-year collegiate coaching career, he amassed nearly 500 wins, was named ACC Coach of the Year three times, and helped launch numerous players into professional and international soccer careers. He concluded his final season at Duke with a record-breaking campaign, earning the program’s first-ever No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed. 

Buried in the recent NCAA convention reports was the big news that it will no longer be a requirement for athletes to complete the SAT or ACT during the initial eligibility review.