Preseason. The time period that marks not only the beginning of a new semester, but more importantly, the beginning of a new season. Nothing in the world can compel such strong feelings of excitement and dread simultaneously. No one is sure whether they should be afraid or exuberant; somehow, we are able to be both.

These are just a few of the thoughts racing through our heads before, during and after preseason.

BEFORE:

1. Dread

We might be excited, but the mere thought of sprints makes us remember how sore we're going to be -- which then makes us want to run screaming back to the beginning of summer.

2. Regret

Every minute we spend on the couch instead of the treadmill, every time we were too tired or too busy to go to the gym, every time we said "I'll go tomorrow," all of it is strongly regretted now that it's almost time.

3. Anxiety

What if you can't do the fitness challenges? What if everyone thinks you didn't work out at all? What if everyone knows you didn't workout enough? What if the freshman are better than you? What if you can't keep up with the upperclassmen? What if you get cut?!

Just a few of the thoughts that race through our heads as preseason gets closer and closer. Realistically, if you did what you were supposed to, you will probably be fine at fitness and people won't think you didn't work out and 90% of the things you're stressing out about won't happen.

But, we will stress anyway.

4. Excitement

Despite the terror, dread and regret, you still manage to be jump-up-and-down-excited to finally see your teammates after a whole summer apart. You may not all be best friends, but during season you spend pretty much all of your time together; you're basically a family. You can't help but be excited for whatever new inside joke is bound to pop up this preseason, and you're honestly a little bit excited to start playing with them again (and you're even excited for the slightly ridiculous team bonding).

DURING:

1. Nervous

Whether you're a freshman or a returner, you are bound to feel nervous during preseason. You never know what's going to happen. You hope your coach won't cut you, but you never know! You think you're playing well...but maybe they don't think so? During practice, on the way to practice, after practice, pretty much every second of everyday until cuts are made.

2. Exhausted

Two practices a day, six hours or more of sports, conditioning, fitness testing, sprints, waking up at 6 a.m., team bonding, staying up late with your team... No. Sleep. At. All.

Pretty much the only time you will be as tired as you are during preseason is during finals week.

3. Sore

No matter how much you work out leading up to preseason, you will be sore. After just one day of practices you won't know where your legs went. Ice baths are your new best friend.

4. At Home

The gym, the field, the court: it all feels like home. No matter how sore you get or how anxious you are, you can't help but feel at home when you are playing the sport you love with the team that has become your family.

AFTER:

1. Relieved

You finally made it. You survived preseason (barely). Nothing has ever felt better than the first day after preseason is over when you finally get to sleep in.

2. Overwhelmed

Yeah, preseason is over, but now you have a whole new mountain of obligations. Once preseason ends, you are hit with classes, homework, studying, exams, practices, games, volunteering and a million other things.

3. Calm

Even though there are so many new things to worry about, you still feel somewhat calm. You have your sport as a stress reliever now; it's not the thing overwhelming you anymore.

4. Ready

You are beyond ready to crush it this season. You and your team can't think of anything but winning your conference and taking first. YOU. ARE. READY.