Everyone sees the glory on game day -- but few see what it takes to get there.
Saying it out loud is like wearing a badge of honor: “I was a college athlete.” In the sports world, playing at the college level is one of the highest honors. Yes, there is always the chance of going pro but for many this is the pinnacle of your athletic career. I can say with the utmost pride that I am a retired Western Carolina University cheerleader. After three unforgettable years on the team, I took my senior year off to heal some injuries and experience the other side of college. Whether or not you see cheerleading as a sport, for the purpose of this article let’s agree to disagree so I can fill you in on some secrets. (Spoiler alert: There is a light at the end of the tunnel.)
1. If you don't have a sense of who you are and don't know how to advocate for yourself -- this is not for you.
“Team before self” permeates the atmosphere of collegiate athletics. This is crucial to any program being successful. However, they don’t tell you that sometimes it is hard to put the team before yourself. They don’t tell you that if you don’t know where you stand before you walk onto a team, you will find yourself bending to the will of the team. If you spend years putting the team before yourself and failing to take care of your mind and your body, when your time as an athlete ends, you will be left empty. Do not walk onto a team wanting to take care of others and put the team first if you are unable to take care of yourself.
2. You will lose touch with reality if you aren't careful.
It is hard. It is painful. You will hurt every day until the last time you turn in your uniform. You become so wrapped up in the world of practices, punishment runs, weights sessions, teammate bonding, games and competitions that your perception of reality becomes warped. Teammate disputes feel like World War III. Failing to make a travel list feels like a personal attack on your skills and character (sometimes it is -- but for the most part, it’s just life). You’ll forget that your season will end for good at some point, and you think you’ll be this busy forever. Anyone can tell you about the physical challenges, but I feel that the mental challenges of collegiate athletics go without discussion far too often. When you’re so focused on your team or individual goals, it is easy to forget that this is just a drop in the bucket that is your entire life.
3. You need to do a heart check -- do it often.
You had a dream of being a part of your team, and you made it happen through blood sweat and tears. However, life happens and circumstances change. It will not always be smooth sailing as a college athlete. Your dreams, desires and goals will change -- and if they don’t you need to consider why. Ask yourself why you wanted this so badly in the first place. Then ask yourself if that is the reason you are still on the team. If you can’t think of a reason for being a part of this program other than “I’m too scared to give up what I know,” it’s time to walk away. (Not in the middle of a season -- don’t be a quitter.)
4. It's worth it.
Every tear, sore muscle, ice bath, punishment run, early practice, declined party invitation, late night conditioning, study hall session, bus ride -- it’s worth it. You only get to be a collegiate athlete once -- but if you do it right once is enough.
So, what they don’t tell you about collegiate athletics is that it is harder and demands more from you than anyone could tell you. But it will also shape you, change you and be part of who you are. Take it all in -- because it's amazing.
