Should I Transfer Schools for Sports? 4 Big Questions Every Family Should Ask
By: Logan Kosmalski, Co-Founder of Pro Skills Basketball and Former Davidson & Pro Player
I’ll be honest.
When I first sat down to write this blog post about the rise in high school athletes transferring schools, I expected to paint a negative picture. As someone who went to a large public school in Texas where football dominated the athletic culture—and as someone who didn’t always see eye-to-eye with coaches—I understood the temptation to leave.
I even transferred colleges myself, leaving Baylor for Davidson. So I’ve been there.
But when I returned to North Carolina after playing professionally, I noticed how common it had become for kids to change schools. Sometimes mid-season. Sometimes two or three times before they graduate. And often in the name of chasing an athletic scholarship.
At first, I was frustrated. But after digging deeper, it became clear that this issue isn’t black and white. The transfer rules for high school athletes are complex, and each state has different guidelines (some even requiring legal help to navigate).
The deeper problem isn’t just about rules or eligibility—it’s about how young athletes and families approach development, exposure, and recruiting.
Fortunately or unfortunately, transferring has become more pervasive in the era of NIL. In 2025, nearly 2700 college basketball players entered the transfer portal prior to the April 22nd deadline. In 2019 before NIL became a thing, that number was less than 1000.
If you or your child is considering transferring schools for sports, here are four important questions every family should ask before making the move.
1. How Will College Coaches Perceive This Transfer?
If you’re transferring schools to increase your recruiting exposure, stop and think about this:
What will college coaches think when they see multiple transfers on your resume?
Even if you’re talented enough to attract attention, most coaches will ask one of the first and most important recruiting questions:
“Why have you changed schools so often?”
If your answer doesn’t show maturity, loyalty, and a long-term mindset, it could hurt your chances more than help. College programs want players they can trust—athletes who can adapt, work through adversity, and commit.
Bottom line: transferring once might be understandable. But frequent moves raise red flags.
2. Are You Expecting Guarantees That Don’t Exist?
High school coaches—just like college and club coaches—can’t guarantee you:
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Playing time
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Exposure
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A college scholarship
And moving to a more competitive team might actually reduce your role. Many players transfer thinking they’ll get more visibility on a better team, but forget that:
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Better teams = better competition
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More talent = fewer minutes available
Worse, some “super teams” implode due to chemistry issues or mismanaged expectations. Beware of coaches promising the world. If it sounds too good to be true—it probably is.
3. Are You Chasing a Perfect Situation That Doesn’t Exist?
Most athletes dream of a situation where they:
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Start every game
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Play their favorite position
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Are coached by someone they like
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Have strong friendships on the team
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Win championships
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Get recruited
But perfect rarely exists.
What you need to evaluate is whether you’re making a decision based on running toward a better opportunity—or just running away from adversity.
At Pro Skills Basketball, we talk a lot about the importance of overcoming obstacles and embracing self-improvement. Jumping schools without facing challenges can stunt that growth.
4. Have You Honestly Weighed the Pros and Cons?
Before transferring, consider the full picture—not just basketball:
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How will it affect your education?
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What about your social life and friendships?
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Are you sacrificing comfort and stability for something that’s not guaranteed?
When I transferred from Baylor to Davidson, basketball was part of the reason. But it wasn’t the only reason. I struggled with the decision for months because I had friends, a good academic situation, and some great memories.
Ultimately, it came down to what I valued most. I needed to be in a place where I could grow both on and off the court.
And that’s something every athlete needs to evaluate honestly.
Final Thoughts on Transferring Schools for Sports
The rise in high school sports transfers is part of a larger conversation about youth basketball development and the college recruiting process. It’s not inherently bad—but it’s also not always helpful.
The best advice I can give to players and parents is this:
Don’t make an emotional decision. Make an informed one.
Ask yourself:
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Am I transferring for the right reasons?
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Will this actually help me improve or get recruited?
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Have I explored all other options—like offseason development or club team changes?
And if the answer is still yes, then go forward with confidence. I’ve transferred. I’ve seen players thrive after transferring. Cory Heitz documented in 2021 why transferring high schools was one of the best decisions he ever made. But I’ve also seen just as many lose focus, bounce around, and miss their window of opportunity.
Be intentional. Be honest. And ask the tough questions.
Have You Transferred Schools for Sports?
We’d love to hear your story. What went well? What were the downsides? Share in the comments or reach out to us directly—we want to help the next generation of athletes make smart, empowered decisions.
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