Six Tips on Being a Successful Student Athlete

Struggles of Being a Student Athlete.

Being a student athlete can be a struggle. As much as you may love the sport, unfortunately, it isn't always fun. Having your priorities straight is a must. it takes dedication to play a sport and keep up with your other life duties. Balancing school, training and practice takes determination and hard work. For some athletes, the sport doesn't come naturally, so that requires more effort than others. After reading this you will be equipped with six tips that will help make your student athlete life easier.

Learn to Manage your Time Early On

Student athletes must adapt to attending practices, games, school, and even some have work responsibilities. Practice can be before school hours, at times during and after. Some colleges and universities give you a strict schedule you must go by. For example, the football players that play on the Appalachian State Pioneers team have a specific schedule they follow daily. This schedule includes football workouts, games, practices, school and let's not forget homework. Time management is a must and essential in order to be able to play the sport and live outside the sport. Get yourself on an organized system where you don't forget where you must be and when. Some student athletes use agendas or calendars. They also set constant reminders to assist them.

Motivation

The word motivation means, the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Having the motivation to play a sport is the main thing. You can't be afraid to go against people twice your size who are just as determined as you are. Different athletes have different motivations that drive them, but most of them are motivated. Without the motivation it will be difficult to be a student athlete. So from day 1, find your motivation and keep that at the tip of your mind. You must know what you are playing for and you must keep it in your mindset when it gets tough.

The Off Season is also Crucial

The off season of your sport is just as important. For example, I asked a high school student what he does during the off season for football. His response was, "I train all off season so when the season comes around, I won't have to stress as much.". During your off season you can continue to train and stay active so once the season starts again it won't be as difficult. The transitioning from off season to the season starting will be easier on those who still put in effort during the off season.

Good Sportsmanship = Good Character

Good sportsmanship is taught at a young age. As you get older you don't forget it or lose it. Good sportsmanship is part of your character and will help you to be a better teammate. It will help you through trying and tough times. It will also help you to motivate other players on your team. You don't only treat your team members with respect but also coaches, other team players and other officials with respect as well.

Turn Losing into a Positive Experience

When you lose, you must respect the winners and yourself by accepting it and learning from it. Remember, that you win some, but you will also lose some. Losing doesn't mean that you're a failure or that your team has failed. It means that this an experience you can learn from. With each loss you can focus on what you could do next time to better your game. The earlier on you begin to accept that losing is part of being an athlete the easier it will be. 

It will Impact Your Life

Being a student athlete can be extremely tiring. You must be mentally and physically prepared for everything. You may leave practice and want to go and relax, but you still must go home and study for a test that you have the next morning. Everything you  do is harder because you have to do it to the best of your abilities to represent yourself and your team. Sports can affect your life in many ways if you're a student. For example, a high school athlete may be given scholarships and the opportunities to play at many colleges and universities. It can show you that you are capable of more than what you think. It can make you a better person. You can learn a lot of life lessons and make new friends. It has made people realize that once you start to play a sport and are dedicated to it, it isn't worth giving up or losing. Sports also affect your life with your family, you may spend most of your time practicing or playing than being with your family. It all falls back on you and how you handle being a student athlete.

Words of Encouragement

Overall being a student athlete is something that many are not able to handle. Many athletes would suggest you to take the ACT/SAT early. Stay on top of your grades, stay focused as much as possible and put in the effort and extra work. Work hard with both, sports and school. Have strong faith in yourself. Never let others discourage you or bring you down. Being a student athlete is something you should be proud of. Just have fun and give it your all!