7 answers
Rebecca
Student
Carson, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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What helped you be successful in college as a Collegiate Athlete?
How were you able to take your experience as a College Athlete and apply that to your professional life post grad?
I am a graduating high school senior who will start college in the fall as a Collegiate Softball player. I would love advice on how to make the most of my college experience.
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1061
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I had a few hurdles, when I initially went to college and also pursued athletics. But several things I learned included the following:
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources, Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources, Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
Arielle Goldberg
Software Developer
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Arielle’s Answer
Being a college athlete can help you develop skills that are valuable both on and off the field! You learn how to work as a team and be a supportive teammate; you learn when to ask for help and when to recognize when a teammate might need extra support. You learn resiliency and how to overcome challenges and push through when things aren't going your way. You learn effective communication so you can strategize with your team on the field. You learn how to set goals and create a plan to work toward them. You learn how to manage your time (being a college athlete & a successful student takes a lot of work - you'll learn how to balance your studies, your sport, and your personal life, without compromising your health). All of these are skills that are will help you excel in your professional career as well!
Personally, I loved being on a team when I was in college. I appreciated the structure that was provided by the practice schedule and the support that came from my team (for example, I loved being able to attend a practice at the end of the day and chat with my team about our days while we did our practice/workout).
Don't be afraid to ask for help! It can be a lot to manage being both a student and an athlete. Ask your professors or TAs questions about your classes (even if you are not struggling with the material, it is great to build relationships with them nonetheless). Talk to your coach about your goals and how you're feeling. Reach out to your teammates and build friendships. Look into other support services offered at your college (mental health support, RA in your dorm or other community resources, etc.). Remember that everybody is rooting for you to succeed (in life and in your sport)!
Congratulations on your high school gradation, and good luck with your future endeavors! It took a lot of hard work to get to this point, so you definitely have the skills you need to succeed in the next steps in your journey!
Personally, I loved being on a team when I was in college. I appreciated the structure that was provided by the practice schedule and the support that came from my team (for example, I loved being able to attend a practice at the end of the day and chat with my team about our days while we did our practice/workout).
Don't be afraid to ask for help! It can be a lot to manage being both a student and an athlete. Ask your professors or TAs questions about your classes (even if you are not struggling with the material, it is great to build relationships with them nonetheless). Talk to your coach about your goals and how you're feeling. Reach out to your teammates and build friendships. Look into other support services offered at your college (mental health support, RA in your dorm or other community resources, etc.). Remember that everybody is rooting for you to succeed (in life and in your sport)!
Congratulations on your high school gradation, and good luck with your future endeavors! It took a lot of hard work to get to this point, so you definitely have the skills you need to succeed in the next steps in your journey!
Abbey Solem
Sales Development Manager
4
Answers
Litchfield, Minnesota
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
I look back at my college experience and I am so proud to say I was a student-athlete. Being a student athlete in college offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond physical fitness. Your experience—making friends, staying disciplined, communicating, having fun, building relationships, and understanding success—is echoed by many student athletes and supported by leadership and team-building principles:
Being part of a team naturally creates opportunities to form close friendships and deep relationships. Working together toward common goals fosters trust and camaraderie, which often leads to lifelong connections
Balancing academics and athletics requires strong time management and self-discipline. Student athletes learn to set priorities, stick to routines, and push themselves to achieve both on the field and in the classroom
Team sports demand clear and effective communication, both with coaches and teammates. This skill translates well into academic group work and future professional environments
The shared experiences of training, competing, and celebrating victories (or learning from losses) make the journey enjoyable and memorable.
Student athletes learn that success is not just about winning, but about growth, resilience, and overcoming challenges. The process of setting goals, working hard, and seeing progress builds a strong sense of achievement and self-worth
These experiences help shape not only athletic performance but also personal and professional development, preparing student athletes for success in many areas of life
Being part of a team naturally creates opportunities to form close friendships and deep relationships. Working together toward common goals fosters trust and camaraderie, which often leads to lifelong connections
Balancing academics and athletics requires strong time management and self-discipline. Student athletes learn to set priorities, stick to routines, and push themselves to achieve both on the field and in the classroom
Team sports demand clear and effective communication, both with coaches and teammates. This skill translates well into academic group work and future professional environments
The shared experiences of training, competing, and celebrating victories (or learning from losses) make the journey enjoyable and memorable.
Student athletes learn that success is not just about winning, but about growth, resilience, and overcoming challenges. The process of setting goals, working hard, and seeing progress builds a strong sense of achievement and self-worth
These experiences help shape not only athletic performance but also personal and professional development, preparing student athletes for success in many areas of life
Natasha Rowland
Marketing Manager
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hi Abby, congratulations on your success as a softball player so far! You're about to start an exciting new chapter in your life and softball journey. There will be highs and lows, but make sure to enjoy every moment with your teammates. You'll gain experiences that will be valuable in your future career, like time management, teamwork, and leadership. These skills will come naturally as you spend four years developing them. To get the most out being a student-athlete, embrace the chaos. You'll always have a lot going on, so find ways to stay organized. Use small breaks or bus rides to study, and figure out your priorities. Balancing school, sports, and social life can be tough, but each semester will offer new opportunities. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!
Kelly C
Finance
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I played a Division I sport in college, and balancing school, sports, and personal life can be tough. Here are some tips: First, stay organized by planning your practices, games, classes, exams, and personal activities in advance. Talk to your professors, classmates, coach, and teammates early if there are any conflicts, and work together to find solutions. Second, keep up with your schoolwork and avoid procrastinating. Third, take advantage of the resources your university offers to student-athletes, like study sessions, tutors, time management help, and counseling. Lastly, remember to have fun! College is an amazing time, and getting to play the sport you love is a dream come true!
Frank Laptin
Sales Intern
3
Answers
Laguna Beach, California
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Playing Division 1 sports in college is a fantastic way to improve your time management and set priorities. While balancing everything can be challenging, especially with a demanding coach, it teaches you valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and dedication. These qualities are highly appreciated by employers and will be incredibly helpful in your future career. Remember, being a student comes first, and it might take some time to get used to balancing classes and sports. Coaches can be tough and push you to your limits, but this experience builds resilience. Plus, in the working world, you won't face the same intense pressure from bosses over small mistakes.
Phil Streccius
Sales Engineer
6
Answers
Bozeman, Montana
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Being an athlete in college helps you develop hardwork, grit, and getting the job done even when you dont feel like it. A great deal of the professional workforce is missing 1 or all of those items. The background of an athlete helps you stand out among your peers and often times what you feel is just doing the job will be seen as going above and beyond because you are used to and want to deliver the best product possible. My advice for your time in college is really lean into your teammates and the asks of your coaches. Those bonds and relationships will not only help you in the future but going through the process together will teach you how to be a leader once you get into the workforce. There may be times when things get really hard, push through them. Don't quit on your team or yourself. Hard times now make easier times in the future. I talk to so many people who did athletics for a year or two in college then decided to quite. 99% of them regret it now, but they can't go back and do it over. You get one shot. I promise the reward and highs of completing a career in college athletics far outweigh the hard times. Go get it!!