You know that feeling when you start to send college coaches letters and videos. You start playing in showcase tournaments where college coaches are everywhere, recruiting that perfect player. It is such an exciting time. It will be something you always remember, but here are three things that I never got told during my recruiting days.

There will be times when you have to choose between socializing and sleep. Always choose sleep. You won't realize how tired you are until you hear that dreadful sound of your alarm going off at 5 am.

Time management will be a rude awakening when you get to college. Your day will start before 6:00 a.m. and there will be days where you do not get back to your dorm until 11:00 p.m. Your peers won't understand what you go through. They may think they do, but they will never truly get it. They want to feel sorry for you. So, suck it up and remember that you are a STUDENT-athlete, where student always comes first.There will be times when you miss three of the fives days of the week for your sport. No one will be there to hold your hand. If you want something done, you do it yourself. Do not display yourself as the stereotypical "dumb jock." We are an image for our school, always remember that.

The most important thing people will never be able to describe to you is that being a student-athlete will be the best time of your life. Waking up before sunrise, running until you can't feel your legs, and missing out on a party will all be worth it when you are wearing that conference championship ring. We get a chance to do what some people only dream about. Every time you walk into the weight room, practice, or a game, you have to take it on with the most positive attitude you are capable of. Never take it for granted. Every time you play, play for the little boy or girl inside of you that fell in love with the game. Remember who your role model was growing up, and always remember there is a kid who looks up to you as much as you looked up to them.

Babe Ruth once said, "It's hard to beat a person that never gives up." So, when you are so tired that you can't keep your eyes open, when your body hurts, and all you want to do is cry, remember why you play. You play for the love of the game. Being a collegiate student-athlete will be one of the most rewarding times of your life if you allow it to be.