Former Davidson defensive end Pack Hindsley and future Wofford midfielder Caitlyn Scott are about as different as two human beings can get.

One is an 18-year-old soccer player from Washington whose collegiate athletic career took its first baby step on Tuesday, as the Pam Pack senior signed her letter of intent. The other is a 70-year-old doctor from West Virginia who pieced together one of the most respectable careers in Wildcat football history. He signed a similar letter over five decades ago.

On Saturday, Hindsley, now a Washington resident, was honored by his alma mater and was inducted into the college’s athletic Hall of Fame. The former Associated Press defensive honorable mention spoke during halftime of Davidson’s basketball game against Duquesne. But on top of simply thanking those in attendance, most of whom probably had nothing to do with his accolade anyway, he discussed for five minutes what he saw as “the building of a Davidson person.”

For him, it was being an elite athlete and scholar to the best of his ability, representing the institution with pride. He spoke about what it was like, mentally and physically, to exist at a school known for its academics, not necessarily its football.

It’s a good lesson for the younger generation, especially those who have a future in collegiate athletics, to take into consideration when they prepare for the next level.

Scott will join the Division I ranks next fall and like Hindsley, she saw Wofford as a great athletic and academic opportunity.

But for other Division I athletes in revenue sports like football and basketball, that decision can be clouded by talks of academic scandal and the well-known “one-and-done.”

As soon as talented high school players dream of cutting academic corners and NCAA-regular nets, they’re setting themselves up for failure. Because after all, you’re only playing ball for four years, unless you’re someone special like Washington’s own Dominique Wilkins.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Bank on your diploma carrying you through life, not your sport.