I miss my roommate, a D1 track star at Marquette University, who decided to ditch me and move to California for the summer. Tell me, what does California have that Milwaukee doesn't, you brat?! Come this fall, we will begin our fourth academic year as roommates. Who would have thought that a simple comment on a "Roommate Wanted" post in our incoming class Facebook page would shape my college experience this much? Not me. I have learned a lot about what it is like to live with a competitive athlete. If you are an incoming freshmen, and you just discovered your roommate is an athlete, brace yourself for some lifestyle changes. These are some things you should be aware of...
1. Be prepared to not only be labeled a N.A.R.P. (Non-Athlete Regular Person) but also to feel like one all of the time.
Yeah, you'll be that kid at a party full of gorgeous-bodied athletes, and you'll stick out like a sore thumb, probably. Sorry. We can't all be tall, Amazonian-looking women with perfectly flat tummies. And I am okay with that. I may be the token N.A.R.P. at the athlete parties, but at least I get noticed when so-and-so whispers to his friend, "Hey, that girl is definitely not on the team."
2. Your roommate is going to need a lot of sleep.
Like, he/she will probably be in bed by 10:30 on most nights. Do not disturb him/her because if you wake the sleeping bear, he/she may run the risk of performing poorly at the next meet/game and can rightfully blame you for it.
3. And your roommate will eat A LOT.
Imagine having to sustain yourself after three hour practices, two hour lifts, work, and classes. Hell, I get hungry even on my walk from the couch to the refrigerator. Just know that it is normal for your roommate to eat breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, second lunch, dinner, and second dinner. On the rare occasion that you catch him/her up late, it is probably because he/she got hungry.
4. Sometimes, you'll think he/she is consuming bird seed, but not to worry...
It is probably quinoa, chia, flax, or some other seedy-looking "food."
5. If the team collectively decides to do a "dry season," just know that you will not be able to tempt him/her.
If they say they're not drinking for a whole season, chances are they are not. From my experience, D1 athletes stick to their commitments and do whatever they can to improve their athletic performance. Even if that means abstaining from alcohol, partying, and junk food for an entire semester. Their bodies are their temples and also their avenues to maintain scholarship monies.
6. You'll be astonished by their time management skills.
How is it that they do twice as much as you do in a day and still manage to get to bed three hours earlier? It is a mystery I will never understand.
7. And their school spirit will wow you.
They go to all kinds of sporting events that the rest of the student body tends to ignore. Athletes supporting athletes. I love it.
8. If they ever ask you to work out with them, turn around and quickly walk the other direction.
Just save yourself.
9. They'll treat your friendship like they do their sport.
They'll be loyal and dedicated, and they'll work hard to maintain it.
Love you, D1. Thanks for three years! Can't wait for number four.
