College athletes are a unique breed of college students. Balancing school and a sport can be extremely overwhelming and difficult. However, the experience is rewarding and 100% worth it. Here are seven things no one will tell you about being a college athlete, coming from an athlete.

1. Your team is your family.

Growing up, I had been on many teams and created friendships I still cherish to this day. However, the bond you have with your team in college is unbreakable. You are a family. You practice together, you eat meals together, you study together, and a lot of the times you live together. You have each others back and you know they have yours.

2. You will have days you want to quit.

Playing a sport in college is not all fun and games. Some (most) days you will be tired. Some days you will have the worst practice in the world and feel useless. It is hard. Luckily, your team will be there for you and encourage you and remind you it will be okay. Even at the end of the worst days, you still love your sport and would not trade this experience for anything in the world. Bad days only make the good days better.

3. You do not get a “normal” college experience.

Being a college athlete is a HUGE time commitment. It means staying in on a Friday night because you have a game the next day, or even studying on a bus ride home from an away game for your test the next day. When it comes down to it, the college experience of a student athlete is extremely different from a normal student. However, it is 100% worth it. Being a college athlete is one of the best things in the world. Our experience may be different, but the things we will take with us to the real world after college that we learned playing our sport are priceless. The memories and opportunities you will receive will be worth it and will last a life time.

4. You get what you put into it.

This is simple, but many people never realize this. You get what you put into the program. If your athletic program or school offers you an opportunity, do it! You are there to play a sport and get a degree. Take advantage of services that your school offers such as free tutoring. These perks are often exclusive to athletes and are extremely useful. Work hard and accomplish all that you dream to do.

5. It goes by fast.

One day you are 18 years old and heading off to college for the first time, and then you blink and you are a junior in college. Semesters fly by faster than you could ever imagine. One day, you will put on your jersey for the last time and play your last game. Enjoy each and every day because one day it will all be over and all you will have left are the memories.

6. You are always wearing your jersey.

You represent your school and your sport at all times. Even when you are off the court, you are still a representation of your school and the program you are in. You will see people in public that have come to your games, kids you have coached in camps, and even athletic alumni in public. It is a heart warming experience to have a young athlete come up to you and ask for an autograph or a picture. Personally, meeting younger athletes is one of my favorite things about being a college athlete because it is rewarding to see a child looking up to you. It will inspire you to work harder than you already do.

7. You will have more school pride than anyone.

You will love your school and the people who make it a great place. It does not matter if you are at a small school or a large school, you will learn to love the name you play for. I love my school and am blessed to go here. Everyday is better than the last and I know I was meant to play a sport here. I will forever be appreciative and thankful of the school I play for and support future generations of athletes and students that attend my school. (Go Mavs! & CWED)