There's something special about being a college athlete. All the extra hours spent on not only training but school work as well. It's not easy to do. It can be quite a frustrating process, but it is one of the most beneficial experiences that you could ever ask for. Here's some things you know if you played college sports.
1. Sweatpants make life better.
Sweatpants are comfy. Do you know how comfy sweatpants are after a 6 a.m. practice and walking to class for the whole day? It is life changing.
2. You are going to be tired for about 4 years.
It is inevitable. You are going to be tired, and never feel completely rested. We have homework and early practice. It gets to be very tough, but it is all worth it in the end.
3. No one wants to hear you complain.
We are all tired and sore. It's not just you. We're all thinking it.
4. You will have no idea how you woke up for 6 a.m. workouts every morning.
It's mind-blowing. You can wake up for a 6 a.m. workout but can't manage to get up for your 9 a.m. class.
5. "Get on the line" will be the worst thing you've ever heard.
We all know what that means. You are running and if coach isn't happy then you are running a lot. There's no telling when it is going to end.
6. Going to class sweaty right after practice becomes a normal habit.
The first few times it is uncomfortable. People in class are going to judge you for being in the same outfit almost every single day. Not to mention they'll be staring right at the hard earned sweat on your back from your morning practice.
7. Ice baths are the worst and best thing ever created.
They are painful. It feels like a million needles just stabbing your little feet. Some of us are not great at sitting in ice baths, but the reward for sitting in it is so much better.
8. Your fellow athletes are your family.
It's no secret, when you become apart of a college athletic team you become apart of a family. It is something bigger than just you.
9. Always keep extra water on hand.
You never know when you are going to get dehydrated. You also never know when the weather is going to decide and change to 100 degrees. You must always be prepared.
10. Your tan lines complete any outfit.
You can't really hide those little tan lines. They seem to pop out everywhere. We have all worn them with pride.
11. You wouldn't trade this experience for the world.
It might be a frustrating experience at some points, but you wouldn't trade it for the world. There's not many things better than getting to travel the country with your best friends and play the sport you love.