Transitioning from high school athletics to college athletics is not just an amazing accomplishment, but also filled with a lot of the unknown as what is to come. There are lots of new changes to become accustomed to which are filled with new experiences, educational demands, intense training schedules, higher expectations, and increased competition. While this list isn't the end all be all of how to become prepared, here are some of the top tips to help you think about your strategy as you begin your college athletics career.
1. Embrace the learning process.
While you may have been top talent at your local high school or club... you are entering the college athletics arena where your teammates are your "equals" in terms of talent. You have got to be ready to embrace the growth process by listening to your coaches, learning from your teammates, putting in the work, and remembering to stay humble yet driven to reach your college athletic goals. While your hard work & talent got you placed on the college roster, it did not earn you anything in college. You have to learn and strive for it.
2. Focus on balance.
Two words...Time management.
The more you are able to focus on balancing your time to include academics, training, self-care, friends & social events, the more successful you are going to become.
Often, athletes become burnt out from "overdoing it."
Learn to prioritize & balance the most important things in your life.
Make a list. Buy a planner. Get a white board. Use your email calendar. Whatever works for you! Just write it down & keep yourself accountable.
College athletics is not the place to receive playing time or recognition by default. If you want to start, if you want to be an impactful contributor on your team, if you want to play sports beyond college, you need to learn to set goals & put in the work. You have already made it so far to be in the top 1% of athletes who continue their athletics career in college. This means you are working against others who are also in that top 1%. Want to stand out and continue farther? WORK FOR IT. Learn how to set intentional training goals, give yourself areas to focus on. Whatever your goal is, know it will never be given to you.
4. Find your people.
When you are in a college athletics setting, you have tons of athletes around you that are likely going through what you are going through. Connect with them. Be vulnerable. Establish trust & rapport. Understand that you are all college athletes, but you are also all human. Connect with one of your coaches too... they are supposed to be there to help not just make you a better athlete, but a better person. I know that coaches come in all different styles and may not be the best fit for everyone, but it doesn't mean you can't find one that you feel you can connect with on some level to feel supported.
5. Be adaptable.
Life happens & college can be tough. You may have some weeks loaded up with exams. You may be facing some injury from your competitive schedule. You may have teammates or coaches leave the team. You could be placed in a totally new position. Either way, learn to be adaptable. Understand that everything happens for a reason and obstacles are opportunities for growth. Adaptability is a part of mental toughness. Have the skills to keep moving forward, regardless of the setback.
6. Check yourself.
You are not alone in your college athletics venture. Keep a check in with yourself to see how you are doing. Are you enjoying your sport? Are you keeping up with your academics? Are you scheduling time for self-care? Are you able to set weekly goals for yourself that are realistic and achievable? Reflection keeps us in tune with ourself and our needs. Our mind & body know us best... and when we listen, we can hear what they are saying to us. Be kind to yourself and remember you are still human.
