The Student-Athlete Life: What I Wish I Knew
Dear aspiring student-athletes,
I remember the excitement and joy I had when I had finally closed in on a post-secondary institution to continue my education, but also continue my athletics. Growing up play ice hockey, I didn’t want to stop playing competitively after high school. I reached out to schools in Canada and the United States as well as had coaches reach out to me! After what felt like countless school and locker room tours and pitches as to why I should choose their club, the final call with the coach to commit to a NCAA division III post-secondary team in New York state was exhilarating and the process to prepare for the upcoming Fall semester began.
If you are in the process of committing to an institution, or even in your first year of being a post-secondary student-athlete, this post is for you.
While embarking on the journey of being a student-athlete would not only shape my college experience but also my personal and academic growth, there were aspects of the experience that I wish I had been better prepared for. After reflecting on my time as a student-athlete, here are insights that I followed when committing to an institution, as well as a what could have proven valuable had I known them beforehand:
Disclaimer* Each athlete's experience is unique. My own experience compared to my teammates’ is likely completely different. So it's also valuable to talk to as many current or former student-athletes as possible to get a more personalized understanding. Don’t be afraid to reach out!
Factors I Considered When Choosing My Institution
Team Culture
Each team has its own culture. When touring schools, it can be extremely beneficial to meet current members of the team as well as ask the coach questions about their values and coaching style. Learning what the coach prioritizes can shift one's perspective on whether or not the team is the right fit.
For example, one school I toured seemed like a great organization. The team had great winning records and the school had the undergraduate program I wanted to pursue at the time. However, after the tour I received an email with a list of courses to avoid and a nutrition and strength program to start (with still a year before I would attend). Personally, this was a big red flag for me. I wanted to have the freedom to take classes that I wanted and - not that I didn't want to improve my fitness or dietary habits - if they were asking me to do it now, I debated how strict they may have been if I was a player. I knew that I did not want that to be a part of my experience.
Values
Another big question to ask yourself when looking at teams is the commitment to sports versus academics. Some people like to be a student-athlete, others prefer to be an athlete-student. Make sure to prioritize what you value! I did not want to take a degree that didn’t matter to me in order to make all mandatory events that some higher division teams require of their athletes. So staying at a lower division was the right level of commitment to sports for me. And don’t let that fool you, it was still a BIG commitment.
Academic Requirements
Maintaining good grades is crucial, as NCAA and other leagues have strict academic standards for their athletes. If you don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement after a semester of school, during your first offensive, you are put on academic probation. If it happens for a second semester, you are considered ineligible to play (each league's rules may be different). So be prepared to become a powerhouse to make being a student-athlete work.
Now, let’s say you started and you thought the team culture and values were different than how they truly are. For example, maybe you noticed that your teammates don’t work well together (leading to drama and cliques), or that the level of commitment is all over the place for each player - and it doesn't match yours. Maybe you don’t enjoy the coach’s coaching style and mentorship. Remember that it is possible to transfer to a new school or leave a team. If an athletic scholarship or how many years of eligibility you have left as a student-athlete are involved, it may be more complicated than that. But at the end of the day, your personal experience matters and there should be no shame if you realize it’s not the right institution for you or the right team.
What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Student-Athlete
Time Management
Balancing academics and athletics requires exceptional time management skills. You’ll often find yourself juggling training, practices, games, travel, studies and for some athletes… working part-time! Whew, that’s a lot, but it’s just expected of a student-athlete to do it all. Importantly: Never feel pressured to take on more than you can handle. Speak with your coach to adjust as needed.
My schedule looked something like: 7:00-8:30AM workout, class 8:30AM-2:00PM, practice 3:00-4:30PM, part-time work 5-9PM, sleep by 10PM. Oh and study/homework during any breaks in the day. Looking back, I don’t know how I managed it… but I did! Being young has its perks and most student-athletes don’t have a schedule THAT intense, but it gives an idea of what it may look like during really busy times.
Depending on how big your post-secondary institution is, some staff (professors and TAs) try to be flexible and assist where needed. For example, some days we would have to travel on Fridays for games and would miss a class or exam. My professors would be okay with me writing the exam at a different time. But in the end, time management is a skill that you must learn. I knew many student-athletes who just expected others to cater to their schedule, and well, the grades they got showed.
Academic Struggles
My goal as a student-athlete was to maintain good grades so I could further my education after my undergraduate degree, not just to play my sport. The additional stress I put on myself to be top of the class while playing sports sometimes felt over the top.
I wish I recognized that it's okay to seek academic support. Many universities offer resources such as tutors, study groups, and academic advisors specifically tailored for student-athletes. Utilizing these resources can help bridge any gaps in understanding and ensure that academic performance remains strong despite the demands of athletic commitments.
Long-Term Planning
If there is one thing I would tell every student (whether an athlete or not), it would be to plan long-term. Developing a long-term plan that encompasses both academic and athletic goals is beneficial. Understanding how the demands of being a student-athlete may evolve over the course of the undergraduate years allows for better preparation. This foresight enables students to make informed decisions about course loads, extracurricular involvement, and potential career paths.
I did do this because, at the time, I was planning to apply for dentistry after getting my undergraduate degree. It was important for me to know which courses were pre-requisites, the GPA I needed to obtain, and so forth. During my first year, I planned out all four years academically. I did have to make some adjustments each semester, but seeing the bigger picture was helpful. I had a teammate who didn’t realize until third year that they were three courses behind in math to get the required course to graduate with our degree (YIKES). Thankfully, she got it all completed in time.
I understand that some go into school not knowing what they want to do after because they showed up as an athlete-student. Unless thought goes into it, that feeling of uncertainty won’t go away. Many of my teammates struggled to know what to do when school was over and most ended up doing additional degrees in a different job field. There is nothing wrong with changing degrees/job fields! The take-away here is just to try to look-out for your future self - even if the plans change last minute like mine did.
Physical and Mental Demands
As a student-athlete, the physical fitness requirements are high and the mental pressure can be intense. It's SO crucial to take care of your physical and mental health. Knowing effective self-care strategies is essential. Whether it's incorporating mindfulness practices, seeking support from teammates/friends/family, or understanding when to take a break, having a well-rounded self-care routine can make a significant difference in maintaining overall well-being.
One semester I had hit a breaking point with my mental health stress, which happened when I was cooking. I opened a bag of pasta and it went all over the floor - I just started to cry! Everyone says not to cry over spilled milk, but no one ever says anything about spilled pasta!. It was after this breaking point that I reached out to my support system. I was able to change one of my final exams to a different day and a teammate was able to cover one of my volunteer shifts for another sport event so I could sleep in. It was a life-saver!
Most people have a support system going into school. This might be family, friends, coaches, mental health counselors, and academic advisors. Leaning on these support networks can make a big difference in your student-athlete experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help!
Life After Being a Student-Athlete
Now, this might seem far away, but time goes fast when you’re having fun being a student-athlete. But, once the athletics end, what do you have? That may sound like a dark thought, but it is a real identity crisis MANY student-athlete go through (including myself). Don’t get me wrong, from my 4 years of athletics mixed into my academics, I learned time management skills, discipline, teamwork skills, resilience, perseverance, leadership, adaptability, and flexibility. However, being known primarily as an athlete on campus can sometimes overshadow other aspects of your identity and interests. Striking a balance between your athlete persona and your broader self can be a challenge. It's essential to explore other interests, join diverse student organizations, and engage in activities that contribute to personal growth. This holistic approach ensures a more enriching undergraduate experience. This could also involve volunteering for a potential career you are interested in the future, which could lead to networking and job opportunities.
I felt like I did not explore this enough during my undergraduate degree. After completing my master’s, I still felt lost with not being an athlete nor a student anymore. It took time to adjust to a routine I was not used to and “real-life” hit HARD. I am still relearning or igniting new hobbies past the sport I grew up playing, which is relatable for most young adults overall.
In Summary
Ultimately, when making the tough (yet exciting) decision to be a student-athlete, it should align with your personal aspirations, goals, and values. As I reflect on my undergraduate journey, I am grateful for the experience that being a student-athlete provided.
Understanding of the team culture, your core values, maintaining good academics, balancing time management, and long-term planning are vital components to ensure a fulfilling student-athlete experience. The physical and mental demands are substantial, requiring a proactive approach to self-care and seeking support when needed. Beyond the exhilarating years of competing on the field, it's essential to consider life after being a student-athlete. Striking a balance between athletic achievements and personal growth, exploring diverse interests, and preparing for a broader identity can contribute to a more enriching and well-rounded undergraduate experience as well!
Embrace the lessons learned and remember that the skills acquired as a student-athlete extend far beyond the playing field, shaping you into a resilient, adaptable, and multifaceted individual ready to face the challenges of life beyond sports! (when that time comes)
Best of luck, student-athletes!
Sincerely,
Your Kines Mentor
