Being a collegiate athlete means a lot of things, lifting, conditioning, practicing, schoolwork, homework and games to name a few. Oh, but the games make everything worth it in the end. The sleepless nights spent doing homework to finish your project because a nap was definitely needed after practice, the ice baths that you swore you would never take another after you thought you might have died in that water, the constant sore legs, abs, body, life, everything is all worth it because come season, you get to play in games. This is when we as athletes get the opportunity to remember why we love the sport we do and to prove that all the work that we have done is worth something.

In my experiences, the most exciting games are those in which your team gets to travel. Sure being stuck next to each other on a bus for up to 10 hours can't sound all that enjoyable, but in the end, it is one of the best parts of the season. Everyone has these thoughts while getting ready and while on a trip to an away game:

1. Only one more practice until we leave....we can survive.

There is nothing you want more than to just be playing in a game instead of going through drills every day. However, even if the practice the night before departure is shorter than usual, it will always feel longer.

2. Laundry?

Everyone knows what I am talking about when it hits you that a majority, if not all, of the things that you need to pack are dirty and in desperate need of a washing. This is when you realize, what is sleep?

3. What do I pack?

When your coaches tell you that you are going to go out for team meals and you just have no idea what to pack. Also, you have to be prepared for any and all weather conditions that could POSSIBLY happen. It's 78 degrees out and sunny? Gotta pack an under armor and head warmer just in case.

4. But my snacks won't fit in my bag.

No. You cannot take my snacks away from me. Looks like I am bringing yet another suitcase filled with goodies.

5. When you realize you can carry all of your luggage, groceries and equipment to the bus in one trip.

You are a superhero.

6. ROADTRIP!

When you are basically the only one on your team that is super excited to be going on the road trip and all of your teammates are grumpy.

7. Sleep

It was bound to hit you at some point. Maybe staying up all night to do laundry wasn't the smartest choice we have ever made. Your teammates are probably waiting for the exact second your excited self falls asleep so they can finally relax.

8. Movies

Movie after movie after movie on a trip is what keeps you going and can make a ride so much more enjoyable.

9. Arrival

Staying in hotels with some of your best friends is super fun. That is, until you realize you all slept the whole ride there and have to go to bed.

10. Game time.

It's what all the training has been for. It's game time and there is no going back now. Time to show them that you didn't drive all this way to be average.

11. Post game meals.

It is so good you could cry. Literally.

12. Coming home.

When you realize now you have to sit on a bus again and you feel like you literally just got to the city that your game was in. Probably because that was only yesterday.

13. Home sweet home.

It has only been a night or two away from your beloved bed but it feels like it has been a lifetime. You are grateful to be home, but itching for another game.

Away games are some of the best times to get closer with your teammates and coaches. They make your season a lot more fun and interesting. Also who doesn't love getting to stay in a hotel and have all of your meals provided for you?