First Year as a College Athlete

Being a college athlete is a once in a lifetime experience, not everyone gets to say that they played a sport in college and it’s something really to be thankful for. However, being a college athlete can be very overwhelming especially when you first arrive to campus your freshman year. Not only are you in a new place with new people and learning what to do with all the freedom you now have, but, you’re now part of a team with a strict regime and schedule. College student-athletes are not regular college students. From getting up early to late night practices to long bus rides for away games, it gets very stressful very quickly. On top of making sure you stay on top of your sports schedule; you most importantly must stay on top of your schoolwork and that’s where things can really start to get difficult.

Even though there can be a lot of stressors, the great thing about being a college athlete is that there are always plenty of resources to help in times of need. From athletic tutors to counseling services to athletic advisors, there is always help when you need it. One of the greatest things about your freshman year as a college athlete on a team, is coming into the new school year with a whole circle of friends. College athletes, especially those who play a fall sport, must come in early in the summer before school starts and it’s a great way to bond and create friendships with your teammates. Most college freshman’s biggest fear is wondering how they are going to make friends and when you play a team sport in college, you never have to worry about that.

Another thing you must realize as a first year college athlete is that you are going to be tested both physically and mentally like never before. There is no offseason, just because the regular season might be over, everyday after that is just more and even harder training leading up to the upcoming season. But, what you must realize is that it’s all worth it. All the long nights, hard training sessions, early mornings, it all makes up for the incredible memories that are going to be made and with all the hard work you put in both on and off the field, you are really going to feel accomplished. It all pays off in the long run and is going to be something you are truly proud of.