Being a student-athlete entails so much more than just showing up for games and practices. There is a huge commitment tied to being a part of a team, waking up at 5 a.m. for lifting, running at 6:30, yoga on the “off” days plus practice – and don’t forget class and study time. Hopefully, at the end of all that you might have some extra time to grab a quick bite to eat or sleep, but that is highly unlikely.I would not give up being a student-athlete and having a demanding busy schedule to be a normal college student any day. There are so many rewards that come with being a student-athlete, the best part being getting to be a part of a team that becomes your family. Here are a few reasons why I am forever thankful to be a student-athlete.

1. You are able to represent your university.

Being able to wear your universities name and sport across your chest instills a sense of pride when you walk around campus. Your head is held higher and you know that you represent an even closer group of people than just the everyday students at the university. Not everyone has what it takes to be a part of the athletics department, so if you are – be proud! Being a part of a team is something that is earned through hard work and dedication which is why there is so much respect tied with wearing your university and sport across your chest.

2. Your teammates motivate you every day.

The reason I am able to push myself through a hard workout and tough situations in games is because of my teammates. My teammates motivate me to work hard and get better every single day. It also helps to walk into our locker room and see quotes that we all have written down for those times when we need an extra push.

3. Pregame pump up rituals.

There is no better feeling than pumping your teammates up through pregame rituals. Pregame rituals are a way to release the jitters that may come along with the pressures of the game. You scream, cheer, chant, high five, dance or play ninja just to get your mind off of the game and get you pumped up. Pre-game rituals are one of the best parts about being a student-athlete.

4. Celebrating your team's successes.

Bottom of the seventh, one out, in the semi final game of the conference tournament. With a runner of first, Toomer gets up and cracks one by the infield, Sammy hustles around the bases drawing a throw as she slides into third safely. Not only was she safe but there was an overthrow... Sammy sprints home! We did it! We came back and won! Rally caps and all the team greeted Toomer and Sammy at home to celebrate our team success. Being able to fight through and come out on top when the odds are against you is an experience that I will never forget. Nothing beats celebration together as a team.

5. Team bonding nights.

In life you are not always going to be apart of a team, you may be a part of mock leagues when you're old, but you probably won't have team bonding nights. You probably won't run through haunted mazes, go bowling, have a "Teamsgiving" or an ugly Christmas sweater party with your slow pitch league. I am thankful to be a student-athlete because you have team bonding nights were you are able to go out and have a great time and make memories with your teammates off of the field.

6. You are a part of a much bigger team.

Once you are a part of the program you will be forever a member of your team. It is great being a student-athlete because you can be actively involved in your program. You meet alumni who tell you hilarious stories about their experiences with coach. They remind you that you only have four more years of the sport and that's it. For most student athlete there isn't a professional league for them to join. Alumni remind us to enjoy every moment, work hard because one day you won't be able to step out onto the field and compete for a conference championship or a World Series title.

7. You always have friends to study with.

Your teammates typically have the same workload as you which is why they're always willing to go to the library with you, or find a quiet place to do your homework together. Being able to study and do homework in the company of your teammates makes the process less miserable. They're there to distract you for much needed talking breaks.

8. Traveling with your team.

Being part of a team means that you take long bus rides to get to games or plane rides. Traveling with the team is one of the most fun times of the season because you are able to watch movies, sleep, talk, and jam out to Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" (one side of the bus gets on the violins while the other side is responsible for the piano part.) Spending nights in hotels with your teammates allows you to bond with your team and learn things about them that you had no idea about – you usually learn these things through the game "never have I ever." The team comradery is one of the best parts of being a student-athlete.

9. Able to inspire younger players.

Being a student-athlete usually entails your team putting on clinics to teach younger athletes all about the game. These younger players look up to you, they idolize you. Especially to the little ones you are seen as godly because you play a college sport and they want to do that too. Being a student-athlete has allowed me to see the joy that younger players get from the sport as well as allowed me to share my knowledge and love for the game with others.

10. You don't suffer alone through all of the different weather climates that coach makes you practice in.

11. You all wake up before the sun rises to bust your ass through the running program.

12. You admire the sun rising with your best buddies.

13. Gotta make sure every aspect of the dirt is covered before the big storm.

Snow on the ground? No biggie we're still having practice outside.

You are not the only one experiences the insane climate changes that your Coach makes you practice in. As a team, you come together and work hard regardless. It is much easier to complete practice when you all work together despite the circumstances.

14. Philanthropy.

Thea Danze, pictured left, and Lily Danze, on the right, are two girls that Rowan University's softball team has adopted. Thea has been undergoing treatments for a brain tumor since 2007. Thea is one the strongest most loving people I know. She reminds our team what it means to be resilient and a fighter. Every game that we play is for Thea and her family. Being a student-athlete means that you get to meet and potentially adopt (like my team has done), children like Thea who bring joy and warmth to our hearts. Being a student-athlete means that you are able to get involved with your community and give back to those in need.

Rowan University Softball team pictured with Thea and Lily Danze at The American Cancer Societies Relay for Life.

I am grateful to be a student-athlete. I would not trade this experience for anything else. Being able to compete and give back to the community is one of the most rewarding feelings. My teammates are my second family and for that, I am forever thankful to be a student-athlete.