I think that I am extremely lucky to be playing a sport my first year here at college. I am especially lucky to be playing the sport that I am; field hockey. I applied to Bates early decision because of field hockey, and because I had the coaches’ support behind me during the admission process. Applying to a school with the intention to play a sport there can really help you out, especially if you might have had a harder time getting accepted to the school otherwise. Some people think that this advantage is unfair, and I can see where those people are coming from, but the schools want to have successful sports teams, as well as great students, so coaches can often have a say concerning certain students. It is also not as if terrible students are getting accepted just because they are fantastic at their sport. Colleges like mine want students who can succeed both academically and athletically.

I am also lucky to be playing a sport because I was instantly part of a community on campus. I came to school knowing more than 20 girls, which was awesome, considering many people go to school completely in the dark about so many things. We had all connected through Facebook, Group Me, a team camp, and other ways, and the first years had access to so many resources because of these connections. We were able to ask questions about anything, and we came into school knowing so much more about college life and athletics than many other people did. However, this wasn’t consistent with other teams. Some of the first year field hockey girls talked to girls from other teams, and those girls didn’t know anyone else playing their sport. Their coach hadn’t provided them with any information, and no one tried to reach out and find each other the way my teammates did. So this makes me realize that I am very lucky to have found such a welcoming and inclusive group.

Another great part about being on a team is that you have people to sit with at meals. If you aren’t having a team breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can be sure to find someone on your team already there, or you can just send a message to the team and see if anyone wants to eat with you. Chances are, someone will want to eat at the same time you do, or they will just come to keep you company. It can be intimidating navigating the dining hall at first, so having people who are willing to show you around and teach you the ropes is great.

One of the best things about being a part of a team at college, I think, is the fact that the upperclassmen on the team have all gone through the same thing that we, as first years, are currently going through. They had to be nervous about the first practice, games, and other things that come with being on a team, just like we are. They also already took many of the same classes that we are signed up to take, and are willing to offer any advice they have, or let us borrow books for the class. They know the professors, the ins and outs on campus, and so much more. Having so many people by your side, and knowing that they all did what we are doing now, makes you feel a lot better, and much more comfortable during the first few weeks of college.