As I surpass the midway point of my junior year, I sit back and realize that there are so many things that make student-athletes who they are. Here are some things that I’ve noticed that we as athletes tend to do best.
- Your wardrobe consists of t-shirts, sweatpants, running shorts, leggings and nothing else.
- Water is your best friend.
- Injuries happen more often than not.
- Having a day off to do absolutely nothing is a gift from the gods.
- You’re constantly hungry.
- Sleep has a priority over school work.
- People around campus know you’re an athlete because you dress like one and have bags under your eyes 24/7.
- Everything you do turns into a competition (and losing is NOT an option).
- Getting new gear is like another Christmas.
- Receiving a “practice is cancelled” text is the most exciting thing you’ve heard since sliced bread.
- Leaving campus for breaks is emotionally draining.
- You live in the athletic training room.
- You take more ice baths than regular baths.
- You associate one particular song with your team and can’t help but break out in song every time you hear it.
- Rest days are practically non-existent.
- You spend more time with your teammates than your family.
- You find great excitement in buying new sneakers.
- Jeans are not part of your vocabulary (and shopping for them is AWFUL).
- You have nightmares about being late to practice.
- You put your team before anything else in your life.
Athletes live in a completely different world compared to the average individual. This list is never-ending, but only the most committed athletes have a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live this list every single day. A shout out to all the athletes out there who strive to be the best person they can be and never give up! This list is for you!
