February 19th, 2016

How to Balance Being a Student-Athlete in the USA

Life as a student-athlete can be extremely rewarding, but the academic and athletic demand can take its toll on the unprepared. If you ask anyone who has played college sport, they will tell you that time is your most valuable commodity. There is a quote that we here at USA Scholarships live by, “One may delay but time will not” – Anonymous.  This quote emphasises that every moment in a day can be put to good use, and today we have endeavoured to give our readers the opportunity to experience a typical day in the life of a Student-Athlete.

Below is a typical day during the off-season:

• 06:00 AM - Strength and Conditioning Training
• 07:30 AM - Breakfast
• 08:00 AM - Classes
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
• 13:00 PM - Classes
• 15:00 PM - Work or Relaxation Time (Some choose to work part time)
• 17:00 PM - Physio/Trainer for treatment (Massage, Stretch, Strapping Injuries)
• 18:00 PM - Practice
• 20:30 PM - Dinner
• 21:30 PM - Study Hours / Library / Homework
• 23:00 PM  -Bed

​During the season the main difference will be that there is no 6AM Strength and Conditioning training.

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Below is a table indicating some of the advantages and disadvantages to being a student athlete:

With the above table in mind, here are a few key pointers to help you balance your academics and sports:

• Take advantage of the resources made available to you, i.e. Tutors are often free  
• Plan academic and sporting tasks accordingly. Know what is required of you. You will receive a course syllabus for each class you take. At the start of the semester, highlight and note in your personal calendar when projects are due.
• Keep things in perspective and know your priorities. Stress can be extremely debilitation for young athletes. If you need help, ask. Your college will have fee counsellors and psychologists if needed.
• Build good relationships with your faculty advisor and keep them up to date with your competition schedule.
• Manage your time efficiently, know when you have time to complete academic tasks, i.e. long bus/flights to games.
• Do not fall behind in your academics. Speak to your professors and ask for details of the material you will miss when away with the team. Often teacher can print out powerpoint slides and identify an important section of the textbook that will be covered.

Tamryn White