Upon entering my freshmen year of college, I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I began an exciting yet nerve-wracking journey as a college athlete. Being recruited, we all hear the spiels about how wonderful our future university is and what a typical day during your season will be like; however, there is much more than that.
Here are the most important things we are not told, but all experience through our four years.
It's not for everyone.
Being a college athlete is not easy by any means. Through a vigorous schedule of practices, conditioning, strength training, games, meetings, volunteering, and being a full time student, you can get very overwhelmed. You have to manage your time very carefully. You have to prioritize school and sleep over social time while being mentally and physically prepared for every practice and game. This life isn't meant for everyone, and that is perfectly understandable.
You are constantly being watched.
This doesn't just mean on the field or court. I'm talking about grades, social media, behavior, and the way you interact with others around you. Coaches notice everything. You have to be mindful of the image you are portraying because you are representing not only your team but your university as well.
You will cry.
Whether you are frustrated with your playing time, not satisfied with how you performed, heartbroken from a season ending loss, or ecstatic from a hard earned win, when you are putting all you have to offer into your sport, it's hard not to have an emotional tie.
Your team will become your family.
Growing up on sports teams, you have probably experienced the true bond between teammates. This bond is only heightened as a college athlete. When you see each other every day and travel on weekends together, it's hard for your team not to feel like your second family.
You are a part of something so much bigger than yourself.
We were all the stars of our high school and club teams, but when you come to college you have to realize that so was everyone else who is on your team. Being on a college team is so much more than your personal accomplishments, and you are expected to know that. What makes this experience so special is that you are a part of such a diverse group of people coming together to achieve one common goal. Not many people are able to say they were able to represent their university at the collegiate level, and that is something that you should never take for granted.
