7 Things They Don't Tell You About Being a Student-Athlete | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

7 Things They Don't Tell You About Being a Student-Athlete

You will always be the gross, unshowered kid.

80
7 Things They Don't Tell You About Being a Student-Athlete
Odyssey

1. You're going to be the gross, unshowered kid


All the time. In high school, I fantasized my future days as a student-athlete spent in freshly laundered, brand new athletic sweats- the kind you see professionals wearing in the Olympics. This turned out to be half-true; I do walk around campus the majority of the time in sweats but in no way are they fresh or recently laundered. Instead, they have the post-practice sweat glimmer mixed in with whatever mud we ran through that day. As for sporting cute hair, unless you consider cute as greasy and slicked back, forget the dreams of appearing remotely stylish or presentable.


2. You don't sleep



Between classes, homework, morning practices, speeches, projects, afternoon practices, research, clubs, office hours, weights, meals and that rare chance you get to socialize sleeping falls low on the priority list.

3. Your social life consists of your team

And by social life, I mean talking about last night's homework with your teammates at practice.


4. Your professors won't all understand why you have to miss class


Oh you have to travel across the country for a race? Why don't they fly here. The plane goes both ways.

5. You consume massive amounts of muscle milk

Not necessarily because you like it, but because the school gives it to you and you don't always have time to make elaborate snacks as you sprint between commitments.


6. You don't get full breaks


While everyone is away for your three-month summer break traveling the globe or working to build that resume, you spend your summers training for your season.


7. You'll be a part of a community you can't find anywhere else

While being a student-athlete is time-consuming, academically and socially challenging, and requires a high-level of motivation and devotion, the people you train with, the people that coach and counsel you, the other teams on your campus become a second family. You love your sport and they love theirs, and through mutual passion you work harder than you've ever worked before, but achieve more than you originally thought possible.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

5280
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3428
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2664
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments