First, let me say congratulations on finishing your senior year of high school! That is such an awesome accomplishment.

Now that you've graduated you are probably really excited to go to college and meet your new teammates, as you should be. Being a college athlete is very exciting. You are probably just as nervous as you are excited. I know I was.

You have more than likely already met some of your teammates and coaches, but have had little interaction with them, so you do not really know what to expect when season comes around. For now all you have is text messages and a summer workout that you do not really know how to do and stress building up about the fitness tests you have never done before.

Don't worry, I promise it will be OK. These are some of the things I learned my first year as a college athlete.

1. Your teammates will help you over the summer.

Don't be afraid to ask them questions. They won't blow you off just because you're a freshman.

2. Get to know some of your teammates over the summer.

It will help preseason not be so awkward.

3. Work really hard over the summer to get in shape.

It will pay off. The harder you work over the summer, the better chance you will have to play. Trust me, I earned a starting spot as a freshman. It is possible.

4. Get to know your teammates on and off the field during season.

You will gain some of your closest friends playing the sport you love. Also, the better you know your teammates off the field, the better you will play together on the field.

5. Find that teammate that will really help you focus on your goals.

Hold each other accountable and help each other get better.

6. Be a good teammate no matter what, even if it is your competition.

At the end of the day, you are teammates not enemies. It helps team chemistry if you get along with everyone.

7. Focus on the positive.

Don't dwell on that rough day of practice or that lose. The more you stay positive and focused the better you will be. Have a short-term memory. I had to learn this the hard way. You will not improve if you constantly focus on the negative.

8. Most importantly, have fun.

You are playing this sport because you love it and couldn't imagine life without it, so make the most of these next four years.

Good luck and enjoy your freshman season and year.