Dear College Athletes,

We did it.

Wether you are a D1 athlete or a junior college athlete, it doesn't matter. People dream of being able to have the opportunity to continue their sport while in college and not everyone gets that chance. College athletics is unlike any other, not only is the game a little harder, you now have to balance college school work, but seems it gives you a different sense of pride when you put on that jersey or walk in the doors for another day at practice. All of those years of your hard work and training, missed social events, as well as keeping up your end in school as paid off. You are now representing school on a higher more respected level.

Nothing is better than knowing that everything you have been doing since you have started the sport has paid off. All of the late night practices, nail-biting games, weekend long tournaments, road trips.

More is expected from us as students now that we are in college, the school work is harder, more hours will be spent in a library studying than ever before. Teachers aren't on our backs as much which causes us to have to constantly make sure we are on top of our own work.

I think "I can't I have practice" has been a text some of us have sent more times then we can remember. Time management becomes a big part in success. Being an athlete takes a lot of time out of your life, it really causes you to sit back and think about what things are really important. I can definitely say that I have experienced a lot of stress with having to balance school work, being an athlete and also having a job and also trying to keep a social life when I wasn't stuck doing homework or playing. Sometimes you need to just step outside of the craziness and be yourself, be with your friends, do things that you enjoy. Being an athlete pushes you to your limits and really teaches you things about yourself as a person and a student.

I really think that being an athlete in college is such an amazing experience, you get to meet such great people and make friendships that can last a lifetime, you figure out things about yourself, and you get to continue playing the game you grew up with. Take in every moment of it, practice your heart out, be the best you that you can be, and play every game like it's your last.

Love,

A fellow athlete.