Going to college is such an exciting, yet scary, time in our lives. We finally escape our small towns, ready to go on our next adventure. Not only is it nerve-wracking being a freshman on campus, but having to balance being a student-athlete as well. College athletes have a lot more responsibility to take on compared to most normal students, and it can all start to feel overwhelming and be hard to navigate. As a former D1 college athlete, I am here to give you my five tips for navigating college athletics, whether you’re about to start your freshman year…or if you’re a “Senior Citizen” coming back for one last year!
Take Summer Classes/Move in during the Summer
I can’t recommend this enough! Most college programs require you to take a summer course or even come on campus during the summer…but if they don’t, I highly recommend you do so. Taking classes in the summer helps take the load off in the fall (when school actually starts). This can help you get adjusted to the routine of class without it being overbearing. Plus, you won’t need to take as many credits in the fall! If you don’t have the option to take summer courses, I suggest getting on campus and seeing if you can move in early. This allows you to really get comfortable with the campus, make friends, and just get into a routine. This way, when fall starts, you’re a few steps ahead of the game and feel adjusted! Another benefit is that most college programs will allow you to work out with the strength coach and do captains/player-led practices. This is a great way to help ensure you are in good shape for preseason and feeling super confident and ready to go…rather than having to play catch up.
Stay Organized & Stick to Routine
Once school starts, your schedule is going to be extremely busy, whether you’re in season or not. It may start to feel super overwhelming, especially in the beginning. It is super important to get organized early, so find what works best for you to help. My tip is to buy a notebook and make a “to-do list” daily or weekly. Write things down in order of priority; this way, you can learn to manage your time and get things done that have higher importance. Don’t let your work pile up and wait until the last minute to get it done…it never works, trust me. Spread the workload throughout the week, find a good routine for YOU, and stick to it!
Make Other Friends
Although you are guaranteed 20+ friends being on a sports team, remember you’re going to be around them every single day for the next four years…make new friends! Whether it’s the people in your classes or major, other sports teams, or clubs/extracurriculars. It can be really hard being around the same exact people all the time, and you might find yourself getting irritable around them/exhausted. That is totally normal and expected! It is so refreshing being around people who aren’t in your sport, because, quite frankly, it is what your life revolves around during those four years, and it can get tiring! It is also okay to want to just be alone sometimes as well–recognize what you need and create a healthy support system!
Don’t Get Complacent
Playing college sports isn't easy for a multitude of reasons. You go from being the best on your team, to being surrounded by people who are just as good as you, if not, better than you. Just because you’re committed to a school does NOT mean you are guaranteed anything. You have to earn your spot every day and constantly prove yourself. Never get complacent or comfortable, because there are certainly others who are constantly pushing to get better. Even if you claimed a position for one year, it does not mean you will have it the next. It is important to have a growth mindset and the discipline to get better. So go in prepared and ready to grind! Don’t settle for mediocrity.
Don’t Let a Rough Start Define You
Freshman year is hard, especially for college athletes trying to juggle a new level of competition, academics, and life away from home. Don’t let a rough start or season define the rest of your time and career. Trust the process and keep showing up–what you put in is what you’ll get out. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days, but only you can control how you react to adversity and challenges. Remember, there is a team full of people who were right where you were not too long ago – lean on them and talk to them if you’re having a hard time navigating these challenges. Building those relationships can help you adapt faster and feel less alone.
Remember, not every day is going to look the exact same. Navigating college athletics comes with its fair share of challenges — tough practices, tough losses, and moments of doubt — but it also brings unforgettable highs, personal growth, and victories that make it all worth it. The key is to stay committed through the hard days, because they shape the good ones, and those good moments, when they come, will remind you exactly why you are there in the first place.
