Dear Future College Athlete,
You may not know this, but you're about to make the best decision of you life.
You're going to embark on a journey that is going to take you down roads you could never have dreamed of. You're going to be a part of the very few that move on to another level at your sport.
Most importantly, you're going to come out of this a better person and be someone who is ready for the trails and tribulations that life will throw at you when this thing called the real world hits.
I started my journey in the fall of 2013 and in the blink of an eye, I am less than four months away from walking across the stage and finishing my career at the collegiate level.
I walked in not knowing what to expect and I'm coming out with lessons, experiences and memories that I can share with many others in order to enhance their experience as an athlete in college.
There are going to be things that happen that you don't expect. There's going to be the good, the bad and the ugly but it's your choice on how you deal with them. They won't be easy and that is why you have the people around you because they will do anything for you in order to keep you on track.
There are five things that can help you along your journey and here they are.
1. Be yourself and don't let anyone take that from you
The worst thing you can do as an athlete is to stray away from yourself. You were brought to school to be you. The coaches brought you here to make you a better version of yourself and that's what you should strive to be.
2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Getting up at 5;30 in the morning, long practices, weight sessions and more. There are going to be so many things you are asked to do on and off the field that you may not be used to or comfortable doing, but it's worth the payout in the end.
3. Never stop working
Whether it's on or off the field, never stop. There is always someone that is working when you are not and they are getting ahead of you. When you don't feel like doing it, push through it and know that you are getting better in the class and on the field.
4. Open ears and an open mind go a long way
You can never stop learning, no matter how good you think you are. Whether it's a teammate, coach or professor, always keep your mind open because if you want to be the best, improve your craft every day by listening.
5. How do you want to be remembered?
Your legacy is important. It's what you carry with you the rest of your life. Do things to carry you higher, not drag you lower. Be the person that you want to be remembered as and one that others will look up to.
Here it is, it's almost here. You've gotten yourself this far and before you know it, you'll be in my shoes. Make the memories last, make it worth it and most importantly make it count.
God Bless,
Jeremy
