Dear World,
I am a college athlete. I am proud to be where I am and to be in the position I am in. This was a choice I made a long time ago, to push myself and to be the best I can be, physically and mentally. The phrases "Athletes have it easy," "Athletes are given everything," and, "You guys don't do anything except play games," are some of the things I've heard over my first three years. It pains me to say this but you've got it all wrong and if you disagree with me, take a look into the average day, for me and many others, as a college athlete.
5:30 a.m.
I turn the "Marimba" sound off my phone. I wake up, wet my face with cold water, brush my teeth and throw my clothes on and I'm out the door .
It's time to go to work.
I'm in the locker room a half an hour later where it's so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone is trying to get the final minutes of rest before morning workouts.
6:30 a.m.
Whether it's a weight room day or a conditioning day, for the next hour, sweat covers the shirt, face, everywhere, of myself and my teammates. All of this while most other people my age are in bed asleep.
7:30 a.m.
All the showers are being used and I'm trying to get to class on time, which starts in 20 minutes. So yes, to answer some of your questions, I have to go to class without showering sometimes. The question I get most of the time is, "Why do you even go to class?" and I tend to laugh. When your boss comes by your desk to see if you're working, you better be there. Therefore, when your coaches check and make sure you're in class, along with you being referred to as a "student-athlete," well, I think you catch my drift.
7:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
When I'm not on the field in the morning, I'm in class and I'm a regular student. I go to class, I take my notes, and no matter what you think, I am not having someone do my assignments for me. Whether it's two or three classes, I'm there focused and paying attention because believe it or not, you have to make good grades to be an athlete.
12:30 p.m.
I've been awake since 5:30 and the only thing I've had were two granola bars and an apple. I've got to eat. For the next 30 minutes, you can find me in the dining hall or a restaurant on campus, eating whatever I can to prepare myself for the afternoon ahead of me.
1:15 p.m.
The day is just getting started for me as I walk into the locker room to prepare for practice. I remember back in middle school when we had our own version of practices. Short, sweet and BP (Batting Practice), that was the phrase we used to use. Well, those days are long gone, my friend. When you come to the park, you better be ready and fueled because chances are you're going to be there for awhile.
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
These four hours are filled with drills, individual work, coaches yelling, whistles blowing, anything you can name that's sports-related, chances are it's happening. Rain or shine, most of the time we are out there getting done what needs to be done. This is our version of homework to prepare for our tests.
6:15 p.m.
The day isn't over yet. After I go and grab something quick to eat, it's time for study hall. Most universities require student athletes to complete hours, that way, they do not fall behind academically and are eligible to play.
8:15 p.m.
After a couple hours of doing homework and finishing up class material for the next couple of days, I am finally on my way back to my room. It's been over 12 hours since I've been back to my room and I still have more stuff to do. Whether it's laundry, cleaning, more homework, or whatever it may be, there is always something to do be done when I get back.
11 p.m.
It's finally done. The day is over and I can lay down and try to get some rest before I go after a similar schedule the day after. After a 17-hour day, I think some rest would be acceptable.
This isn't to compare my schedule to yours. This isn't to make you feel a certain way. Being a college athlete is not easy. You are not given anything. Just because you receive a scholarship does not mean you get the keep it. If you don't perform, if you don't get the grades, you can find yourself with a one-way ticket back home. We make it easy for ourselves because we've loved the game we play for years and that's why we do what we do. The work that goes on behind the scenes is what translates on the field. As a person and in life, the work that you do when no one is looking is what prepares you for your future.
Sincerely,
College Athlete
