The life of a student-athlete is a rollercoaster with many ups and many downs along with twist and turns, but all in all, it has its perks that can last a lifetime. Being a student-athlete is a blessing and one of the greatest achievements to have all your work and practice pay off, but it is more than that.

I have been a student-athlete my entire life up until this past year due to a prolonged injury. And to be completely honest, you don't really appreciate the pros of being a student-athlete until you are no longer one. I worked so hard my entire life to reach the goal of playing my sport in college, and all of a sudden that was taken away from me after only a year of being a division I collegiate athlete. My life has changed greatly; however, each step in my life uses the lessons learned from being a student-athlete. Not only is the success thrilling and motivation, but behind those trophies and medals is advice that will lead you to a rewarding life, in and out of being a student-athlete. Believe it or not, you will one day just be a former athlete. At the end of the day, being a student-athlete is a victory alone, but during that time, you learn so much about yourself, how to perform successfully, and life itself.

Here are 23 lessons I learned from being a student-athlete:

1. How to be sufficient with your time aka amazing time management.

2. Teamwork is a huge part of succeeding.

3. You WILL stumble upon people you don't like.

4. It may take awhile for your hard work to catch up, and that is okay.

5. There will be days you hate doing what you do and there will be days you absolutely love it.

6. I learned to survive off of less than 8 hours of sleep.

7. There will be days full of good luck and plenty of days full of bad luck.

8. You need to be committed, dedicated, and love what you do.

9. You will get the opportunity to meet people who will change your life.

10. How to do your best under pressure.

11. Never give up because nothing is impossible.

12. Your health is most important.

13. Make failure your motivation.

14. You will make lifelong friends.

15. Working out DOES make a difference, physically and mentally.

16. Having a positive relationship with your coach can make a HUGE difference.

17. Your true supporters will show up during the good and bad times.

18. Embrace your tan lines. At the end of the day, they're just proof of all your hard work.

19. You succeed the most when you are having fun.

20. How to keep going - even when it is 30 degrees and snowing - nothing will stop you.

21. Don't ever stop smiling. Be blessed you get to do what you love to do.

22. Cherish every minute the student-athlete life because you never know when life will throw you a curve ball. Laugh a lot, create many memories, and NEVER give up on yourself.

23. No matter when your time comes to an end, your sport will ALWAYS have a spot in your heart and you will always be known as an athlete.

Although my time as a student-athlete was cut way too short, the past 10 years of hard work, dedication, and passion created so many memories that will last a lifetime.

I thank everyone who contributed to my life as a student-athlete and I miss it every day, but when a door closes, another door opens.

Enjoy every minute of it and take in each life lesson it throws at you. You may not realize it now, but being a student-athlete is one of the best things that could happen to you.

XO,

The former student-athlete