Packing Sports Up and Bringing them Along to College

As a high school athlete of two sports, one of my biggest worries was getting into a good school that had a great softball team. My ultimate goal was to play at a DII level and get some playing time. I had quite a bit of confidence in myself and found Gannon University in Erie, Pa. I was recruited, attended the school, played softball in the Fall, and then quit. The coach made me lose my passion and love for the game. After, I trasfered to SU where I have been playing every since my sophomore year.

Many students worry whether they can balance the demanding schedule and time a sport takes in college. They worry whether they will have time to study while trying to balance practices, games, team bonding, and training. I'll be honest, I have found myself completely crazed-out and extremely overwhelmed with everything. I've had mental and emotional break downs, but the joys and love I have for the game have pushed me through all the hard times.

I know a few high school kids who have said, "I don't think I can handle a sport in college." And this is the advice I've given them. I 've told them that if you've done it during high school, balanced your work, job, sports, and your family and friends, you will be more than capable of balancing your school life and sports life in college. I would encourage any high school student to play a spot in college!

Being able to balance it all is just a time management thing. Every student has to find their own way of dealing with the stress of it all. I think that I sometimes do my work better and more in advance because I know I have a busy schedule of games and practices coming up and I need to get my work done as soon as I can. Have good time management, solid study skills, and a good focus, and you will be able to handle playing a sport in college!