Being a collegiate athlete was hands down the highlight of my college career. I had so many great opportunities that I will forever be grateful for. With that being said, balancing both school and athletics can be hard, however, it is so worth it! Throughout my experience, not only did I improve in my sport, but I also learned many life lessons that have been beneficial in my life outside of athletics.
Whether you are an athlete or not, here are 6 important lessons that being a collegiate athlete taught me!
1. Being on time is late.
5 minutes early is truly on time. This same lesson will look great for most companies and other employers!
2. Always remember your represent something bigger than yourself.
Being an athlete you represent your school, your coaches, your team, and the people who came before you. However, this same concept can be applied to life as well. Whether you have a job or are a part of an organization, no matter where you go you always represent something even if it's just your family.
3. Time management is everything.
Managing your time well gives you the ability to complete everything that you need to get done. It also allows you to have more free time and the ability to do other things.
4. No matter your age you are always learning.
This is for sure the most important lesson I have learned. No matter your age, no matter your experience, you can always learn something new from someone else.
5. Don't over commit yourself.
Though I always recommend exploring opportunities to improve yourself and experience, sometimes it can be too much. Keep a detailed calendar and make sure you don't have an overlap in both schedules. Biting off more than you can chew can be a big mistake.
6. Enjoy every moment!
Most opportunities only last for a little while, so make sure you take every moment in before it is gone! Looking back at my last season, I can't believe it went by as fast as it did.
