10 Things Nobody Tells You About Being A College Athlete
Start writing a post
Sports

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Being A College Athlete

Being a college athlete sounds awesome, but there is more to it than you know.

1667
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Being A College Athlete
Leah Swander

You finally commit to the school of your dreams to play the sport that has gotten you through the toughest battles in life. You sign the National Letter of Intent in front of all your friends and family to show off all of the hard work you've put in. Little did you know that once you arrive, the hard work is just beginning.

1. Two-A-Days Suck and I Don't Care Who Knows It!

Everyone will tell you from experience that pre-season workouts and practices are the worst time of your life, but you won't really understandit until you're on the field puking because you just finished your 20th 100 yard sprint.

2. No Need For a Planner, Mom. My Coaches Made One For Me!

Ain't nobody (that plays a college sport) got time fo' ANYTHING! Your life is about to get really busy, really fast. From practice to team dinners, everything is planned for you. Even what to wear.

3. Travelling + School = HA, GOT EEEEM!

As much fun as travelling is, when you have a five page paper due the night of your game, time management is your best friend. Trust me: high school sports will not prepare you.

4. Winter/Summer Breaks Aren't Really Breaks

Remember when you could sleep late ,and just hang with friends on those once-in-a-while snow days or summer vacations? Now you have to get your butt back in the gym to run and lift because there really are no off days. Say goodbye to freedom and "Hellloooooo, protein shake."

5. You're Considered Lucky If You Get More Than Five Hours of Sleep

With practice, school and a social life, sleep is the first thing on your mind, and the last thing you accomplish. You get used to it, but man! You are so tired all of the time that it's almost like you're pregnant...except you can still see your toes.

6. Your Teammates Are Always Around

From living with most of your teammates, to seeing the rest of them at practice everyday, all of you tend to become a family. It's like a love/hate relationship.

7. You'll Never Hate Your Phone More Than When the Alarm Goes Off

Everyday, it seems that 6 a.m. comes earlier and earlier. You might even set about five alarms, just to pause reality.

8. People Who Aren't Athletes Tend To Hate You

You can try to make friends with the non-athletes at your school, but when you get to register for classes before them, or complain about not taking an 8 a.m. class, they probably won't be your friend for long.

9. Surprise! You've Been Adopted...By Your Coaches That Is

Moving out of your parents house is an awesome feeling until you realize you're not really "on your own." Your coaches are always there for you, even when you don't want them to be. They know more about your social life than you even do.

10. Your Life Freakin' Rocks

As much work, commitment, focus, talent and perseverance it takes to be a college athlete, you are the kings and queens of campus. You are known, spoiled and you're going to be debt free just because you love a sport so much that you would be willing to do anything to keep it in your life. How awesome is that?



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86058
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51952
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments