Do you ever think to yourself about how you are dating a college athlete? Do you ever sit there and wonder what you actually know about their sport and everything about them and how their life revolves around it? I have thought about many different signs, but I believe these are the top ten signs about dating a college athlete. Which I am sure if you are dating a college athlete as well, you can definitely relate to these.

1. They do not talk to you after they lose a game because they don’t want to take their anger out on you.

Don't bother to take it personally, let them cool down for a bit after their game. They will talk to you when they are ready. You have to be supportive and understanding of their anger from the loss.

2. You have their practice and game schedule memorized so you know when they are available to talk and hang out.

Knowing their schedules is so helpful to you because you will know exactly when they can and cannot talk. That gives you time to do whatever you want to do without them, but will always be ready to talk after they are done.

3. You go to every game you can, and when you can’t go you watch them online.

Let’s be real, you attend ALL of their home games, and their away games when they are within close driving distance. But if their game is out of state, you know you are ready by your computer right when the game starts so you are able to watch.

4. Buying them sports related anything makes their day.

When they are not playing their sport, they are most likely watching it. Buying them anything related to sports is always the perfect gift idea. Especially tickets to see their favorite team play.

5. You may not know the whole team, but the whole team knows you.

The whole team knew about you before you were even dating. You probably know their closest teammates, just not the entire team. But when one of them sees you, they always say “hey ____,” and you just politely say hi and smile back because you do not know their name… yet. The day will come when you know everyone’s name.

6. You have to share them with 20+ other people…..their teammates

You cannot get mad that you have to share them with the team. The team was there before you. Now you are a part of their life and the team comes with it. You are now a part of their little team family.

7. You get invited to all of their parties because you are dating one of them.

Ever dreamed about going to those college baseball parties? Lacrosse parties? Football parties? Well, now since you are dating one of them, you get attend all of the parties. Make it count!

8. You try to set your friends up with their teammates, so you have someone to go with you to games.

What’s better than having your best friend date one of your boyfriend’s teammates? Just imagine all the double dates in the future. Having your best friend date one of their teammates is the best thing, you will never have to sit at a game alone because they will be cheering for their boyfriend just as you are.

9. There is no "off-season," they are ALWAYS busy with their sport.

No matter what time of the year, they are ALWAYS busy with their sport. Whether it’s conditioning, practices or games. There is never a period of time where they aren’t working out, or practicing for their sport.

10. You must accept the fact that the sport they play is a MAJOR part of their lives, now it’s your job to make it yours because they are a major part of your life.

If you want to be a part of their life, you should try to love the game as much as them. It’s not hard when you go to every game.

Dating a college athlete can be very challenging. But with those challenges come rewards. Stick by your man's side no matter what. You are his number one fan and even though his sport may end after four years, your relationship will not. So, go out and enjoy watching him on the field, court or arena. He will remember the days you spent dedicating yourself to his sport just as he did.

Sincerely,

The Girlfriend of a College Athlete