KylOver the past few years as a student-athlete, I have repeatedly heard all of the misconceptions that people have about us. Many of these misconceptions are just things they have seen in movies or think they know, and as a student athlete, I am tired of hearing these same things. Here is my list of four myths or assumptions people have about student athletes.

Athletes get “Special Treatment”

Let’s just start off with a big one. I am always told how I get special treatment in college since I am a student athlete. To be honest the only thing I get special is registration early since I have to plan my schedule around workouts and practice. If I miss an exam I have to still take it and I do not get any extra help or a private tutor that travels with me (that would be totally sweet though). Many professors are even harder on athletes and have higher expectations for us.

“Why don’t you have time for a Job?”

There are many student-athletes who do have jobs while they are in a sport. They go above and beyond. Somehow my family and I get this so much and we always say the same thing, “My sport is my job.” When I am at school my sport takes up around 25 hours a week, and that is the number of hours many students work. So, in reality, my sport is my job because that is how I pay for college and many do not understand that.

“Why don’t you have a full ride?”

This is one of my favorites because everyone thinks since I am a division 1 athlete I automatically get a full ride. There are many athletes that do get a full ride, but it isn’t as common anymore. The field is too talented and most schools do not have that kind of money. Fully funded schools and the money making sports have a better chance at getting more scholarship money. Most teams have budgets and they then have to pick and choose how much each player gets.

“Getting recruited is easy”

The time in my life when I was trying to be recruited was one of the hardest times for me. I don’t think people understand coaches aren’t begging you to come to their school unless you are a superstar (like big ten schools). In my sport, many coaches would rather recruit internationally. Many coaches have their lineup for the next four years. So many high school athletes have to begin recruiting way earlier.

Being a student athlete is one of the best decisions on my life. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have received. I feel like athletes are stereotyped and when kids want to become college athletes they have these myths in their head. An important rule is when looking at schools talk to students on how things actually go, then there will be no surprises. Don't let these stereotypes discourage you from being a student athlete, and being proud.