Growing up, your parents try to get you involved in sports to stay active and meet new people. Once you get into middle school, you start to pick the sport that you enjoy doing most and continue to play it for the fun and love of the game. In high school, things start to change because now the idea of playing your sport in college may pop into your head. Then before you know it, if you really want to pursue your athletic career, the recruiting process appears and before you know it you are committing to play for the next four years at a college university.

 

At the division three level of sports, coaches stress the importance of your academics and having a good balance between your academics and your sport. No matter what the sport is and how long your season is, balancing your time between your schoolwork and sport is important so you do not become overwhelmed and stay stress free.

 

Many athletes choose to make their goal to become a college athelete due to their long history of playing the sport as a kid. Junior basketball player, Finance major, Andy Niland has always had a passion for his sport. “I have been playing sports my whole life and it was a dream of mine to play college basketball and maybe even coach someday so I knew I had to be around the game,” Niland said. On a similar note, senior volleyball player, Industrial engineering major, Hannah Saunders explained, “I wanted to play volleyball in college because I have been playing since middle school and can’t imagine my life without it.”

 

When it comes to schoolwork, group projects or group meetings can become tough for athletes due to their busy practice/game schedule. Josh Kolarac, senior soccer player, Communication major feels bad when it comes to meeting up with others because sometimes he honestly does not have time for it. “I feel like group members always feel like I’m flaking out on them, but I’m really just that busy,” Kolarac stated. For junior cheerleader, Nursing major, Sami Weryha, group meetings are too hard to make. Weryha said, “Nursing majors usually have the same schedules so it’s not too bad trying to find time to meet.”

 

Motivation is a huge factor when being a student athlete and most of the time you have to be a very self-motivated person to balance the workload. Niland explains, “For one staying eligible is important so you need to maintain a 2.0 GPA. I also stay motivated by thinking about the future and how all of this will pay off in the end.” Having a lighter weight of classes can also help you really focus on those classes as well as your sport. “Throughout my career, I have tried to schedule lighter fall semesters in terms of course load because soccer season is during the fall,” Kolarac stated.

 

On top of your sport and school work, some students like to be very outgoing and be apart of clubs and organizations on campus. Weryha is apart of a sorority at Behrend as well as an on-campus job. “It is very difficult to manage my time. I found that I sleep a lot less due to my hectic schedule with my job, sorority and practice/games. Having a planning helps me a lot to lay everything out that needs done,” Weryha explained. Kolarac agreed with Weryha, especially on the topic of getting less sleep. “I am very involved with the Behrend Beacon and served as the editor-in-chief last year. With these responsibilities on top of soccer and classes, it forced me to get less than four hours of sleep most nights,” Kolarac said.

 

As juniors and seniors, these interviewees have been through it all. As far as incoming freshmen, their journey is only beginning. “My advice to the freshmen is enjoy your time playing in college because it goes by faster than you think,” said Saunders. Niland commented on how it is important to be organized from the beginning of your career. “If you are organized and plan out your days then you will be fine. There will be ups and downs and tough days at school and practice, but if you stay positive and tough it out you will be just fine!” Niland explained.

 

Kolarac advises the freshmen to get involved outside of their sport. He said, “College is a place to experiment with your passions and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to break away from the social bubble of your sports team and to meet knew people.” Weryha stressed the fact that time for yourself is crucial by saying, “Make time for yourself, because everyone needs it. Put your school work first and stay motivated!”

 

Being an athlete is another weight on your back, but it teaches you how to balance life, school, activities and family. Each and every athlete dedicates their time to their program and wants nothing more than to become well rounded and to succeed in school and athletics.