My Experience as a Student-Athlete
It was my first lecture at Mizzou, there was one comment that sparked my attention. As I sat in the large auditorium, I overheard students talking about how many student-athletes were in this class because it was an easy ‘A’. They went on to state that athletes were enrolled in such classes just to maintain their eligibility. As someone who has taken pride in my academics from an early age, it was quite disturbing to hear those comments. I thought, “Is that really what some students think about the student-athletes or is there some truth in what they’re saying?” While both comments were certainly true for some, they were far from the truth of every athlete.
Looking back, my life as a student-athlete was pretty hectic! From attending practices, traveling for matches, meetings, film sessions, study hall, community service and just everything in between – it was tiring. It took an effort to drag myself to class and sit through a lecture with my ‘head on straight’. If I’m honest, there were a few days I was MIA, but more days than not, I was in class! While I enjoyed playing college soccer, I knew that my academics would be important for my life after sports.
Why Some Student-Athletes Need to Hear This
From my personal experience, I’ve witnessed and heard many stories of the difficulties athletes faced transitioning to life after sports. Once my life as a student-athlete ended, it was somewhat stressful. On top of trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, it was a big change no longer having to attend practices and meetings. I went from spending most of my waking hours around the athletic facility to just attending classes. I didn’t know what to do with my free time because part of my identity was lost in my sport.
The transition from being a student- athlete to becoming a professional athlete and a working professional was an adjustment. There were unspoken struggles I faced that many outsiders don’t know. Fans got to see me, the athlete, performing in my sport, but I knew I was more than that off the field. I was a ‘student-athlete’, who chose to not only excel in my sport but all areas of my life. All because of a choice, I wake up everyday excited to do something I absolutely enjoy.
7 Academic Decisions that Need to Happen
Student-athletes and soon-to-be student-athletes, remember you’re not a one-dimensional creature that only excels in sports. Just as you have a choice every day to wake up and grind through the grueling practices, you have the choice to decide what your future will be like after sports. Enjoy the camaraderie of being a student-athlete, but believe me it won’t last as long as the regret you will have to graduate with a degree that has no value. I don’t say this to step on any toes, but to awaken student-athletes into this reality before there’s no way to turn back. With that being said, below are some helpful tips when deciding on majors.
- Research & observe various majors: Read about careers that may interest you. In the Academic Center, I picked up many documents about different careers available to find something that interested me. When you find interest in a career, find opportunities to observe and get a feel of the job; it’s one thing to read about a profession and another to actually see what it entails in person.
- Make a plan: You should have an outline of how and when you need to complete courses. I’m talking about a list of the number of hours and what classes you will need to take every semester. Once you get your syllabus that outlines assignment and exam due dates, write it down. In order to be successful, you must have a four- year and semester plan.
- Meet w/ athletic & academic advisors/ Use academic services: Athletic advisors do an exceptional job to ensure student-athletes maintain their eligibility. Fortunately for me, I had a wonderful athletic advisor that encouraged e to find something I was interested in, but I also met with my campus advisor to ensure I was on track. For difficulty classes, I inquired with my athletic advisors about tutors and they had no issue providing me one. Notice, I didn’t wait until I was struggling in a class; I gave myself the best shot to succeed from the start. Even if your athletic department can’t provide you a tutor, there are also tutoring services on campus that are provided to all students. Seek them out!
- Meet with the department of interest: At the end of my sophomore year, I took it upon myself to meet with the physical therapy department. Then I was able to learn about all of the required classes, GRE and GPA requirements, all of which would give me the best shot of getting in.
- Don’t skip class & be PRESENT during lectures: As a student-athlete, it is so easy to walk into class and play on the phone during the entire lecture. After exerting so much energy in practice, I didn’t always have the mental energy to sit in a classroom for 50 minutes. I had to force myself at times! Just remember, colleges are getting their money regardless whether your eyes are open or closed. Why waste your time majoring in something that will be meaningless for your future?
- Take the challenging courses during the right time: While it is important to keep a minimum GPA to maintain NCAA eligibility, I challenge you to avoid taking only easy classes in order to play. If you know a course will be challenging, find a way to take it during off season. It’s always your responsibility to make sure you’re in the classes you need. Now you will have elective courses where you can choose what you want, and by all means, take some fun courses. I beg you, don’t avoid taking a class you need just because it’s just too hard.
- Make sacrifices: I had many late nights studying and weekends when I chose not to go out with my teammates. Although I wish I was a little more social during my undergrad years, I’m happy for the sacrifices I made. The discipline through those gruesome years has payed off for me and it can for you too!
Athletes remember you are strong! You are mentally and emotionally engaged to perform when the stakes are at such a high level, so it’s fair to believe you are capable of excelling in the classroom.
While the grind of training on top of coursework can be so real, ask yourself, “Would I rather grind for 4 years and do something I enjoy or work a mundane job I have no interest in for the rest of my life?”
Today, what are some steps you’re going to take to ensure you have the future you want?