Sure, we’re not D1 superstars. We don’t get broadcasted on ESPN. We barely get adequate practice gear. But we work hard.

College is hard enough as it is. With an overwhelming workload, a busy schedule, and maintaining a social life, it’s hard to find the right balance between everything. Add in practices, games, and workouts, and you don’t even have time to eat.

Although Division III athletic programs aren’t as intense as Division I programs, D3 student-athletes still take a physical, mental, and emotional toll. Here’s the breakdown:

Wake up.

6:00 am workout.

Class.

Practice.

More class.

Homework.

Shower? Eat?

Go to sleep.

Repeat.

Division III is just as time-consuming, and we work just as hard. We all understand the sentence, “Get on the line.” And we all internally freak out about it. Division III students give their time to the sport, even though they don’t have to. We don’t get athletic scholarships, like D1 students get. When prospective D1 athletes sign that contract, they are legally obligated to be a part of that team. No excuses. D3 athletes don’t sign any binding contracts, except for the one in our heads. We go to practice every single day, no matter how drained we feel.

But despite the exhaustion, we’re very grateful. Not many people can pull off the student-athlete life. We love what we do. We love waking up the next morning after a workout and not being able to feel literally any of our limbs. We do it for the love of the game, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.