If you don’t already know me, let me give you a quick rundown of some of my closest friends:
My best friend from home is a Division 1 rower. The first friends I made at college were two guys on the basketball team who lived on my hall, and my best friend here is on the women’s soccer team. My current suitemates are three softball players and a tennis player, and we live right across from four guys who play ice hockey.
Welcome to my life as a non-athlete surrounded by athletes. Here are 10 quick lessons I’ve learned in my three years thus far:
1. I have a lot of time!
While my friends are at practice for 3+ hours a day, I could get ahead on homework and crush some flashcards for my next exam. But, contrary to popular belief about NARPs, much of this time is actually spent watching Netflix or going running in an effort to further procrastinate from my obligations. Sorry to disappoint.
2. I should be in the running for Middlebury's biggest sports fan.
Having friends on different teams means that every weekend entails attending multiple games, regardless of whether I understand the sport or not. Supporting your friends sounds great in theory, but when game times overlap (especially during the winter) you can find me legitimately sprinting between the hockey rink and the gym to catch the last three seconds of a heated basketball game or witness an OT goal. True story.
3. Never try to get dinner with an athlete while they are in season.
It’s a rookie mistake to attempt a weeknight dinner with an in-season athlete because you end up in one of the following situations: Either you never see your friend because dinners are reserved for post-practice meals with the team, or you’re the only NARP at a table of 20 teammates. Whoops.
4. My weekend happiness depends on whether there are home or away games.
A weekend of home games not only guarantees some school spirit and something to do, but I finally get to see my friends after their busy week. Away games mean three more days without the squad, unless you count religiously watching the live stream of the games and pretending it’s as good as being there in person.
5. Similarly, my life revolves around the win or the loss.
A win means great moods, happy friends and bomb parties to celebrate.
A loss means dejected friends, sometimes tears, and kicking into Mom mode to tell your friends how much you love them.
6. "What team are you on?" has become one of my most frequently asked questions.
Apparently hanging out with athletes and occasionally wearing Nike sneakers is enough to convince people that you play a sport. To the kid who thought I played field hockey because I “look fit,” I appreciate the vote of confidence but I’m definitely not a national champion. Maybe in another life.
7. Note to self: Never work out with athlete friends.
During spring break, I mistakenly agreed to go on a run with my best friend. She ended up a solid half mile in front of me and I walked home - lesson learned.
8. Friend status sets you up as a solid backup date for SYT parties.
Being friends with athletes gives you plenty of opportunities to accompany friends to their own SYTs or serve as the perfect date for an underclassman teammate. It's also a great excuse to dress up and hang out with your friends who you haven’t seen all season. A definite win-win situation.
9. Your friends will always be surprised when they see you at the gym.
Athlete friends will never fail to remind you that you are a NARP. And they will always comment on how impressed they are that you’re at the gym. Even if they saw you there yesterday. And the day before. Just accept defeat, you'll never win this one.
10. Nothing is stronger than the bond between teammates.
Probably the best part about having athlete friends is witnessing the constant care and commitment that teammates have for one another. Your teammates are your family, and as much as you argue and make fun of them, you’d do anything for them. I’m lucky to know people who remind me every day what it means to be a good friend, despite the team drama or fights. And nothing makes me miss my high school team more than remembering what it was like to be a part of that.
So that's a summary of my college life. Personally, I think I fulfill the male athlete stereotype since I’m an Econ major from just outside of Boston who works out six days a week, but I’ll accept the NARP status for now. Much love to my very athletic friends who will forever be my inspiration to make it to the gym! #NoDaysOff
