6 answers
Emery
Student
Tallahassee, Florida
4
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to prepare to play as a college athlete while balancing school work?
I play softball for both my school and a travel/competitive club team ever since I was little I have wanted to play in collage but I'm worried on how to handle playing and school work on top of wanting to have the full college experience, like participating in different clubs/organizations and hanging out with friends
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6 answers
dongxu li
supply chain
1
Answer
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
dongxu’s Answer
Exercise makes me feel better and more efficient
Steve Chan
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I'm not on varsity or anything, but i'd always make sure i join some form of sports during my schooling years (basketball in highschool, rockclimbing in university). here are the things that work for me to balance studies & sports:
1. time is sparse, make good use of every second of it
- while waiting for bus, i'd read lecture materials/listen to audiobooks/eat an apple.
2. Make good friends
- my friends helped fill me in with what i missed on lecture if i had to go early for competition etc. while teammates fill you in on coach's advice/strategy. So its really important to instant click with people and be nice to everyone.
3. small goals, big result (20-80 rule).
- instead saying i want to make varsity this year: say i want to make varsity this year, by first, mastering skill x in month 1, skill y in month 2. do that for your studies as well. so you can divide and conquer.
1. time is sparse, make good use of every second of it
- while waiting for bus, i'd read lecture materials/listen to audiobooks/eat an apple.
2. Make good friends
- my friends helped fill me in with what i missed on lecture if i had to go early for competition etc. while teammates fill you in on coach's advice/strategy. So its really important to instant click with people and be nice to everyone.
3. small goals, big result (20-80 rule).
- instead saying i want to make varsity this year: say i want to make varsity this year, by first, mastering skill x in month 1, skill y in month 2. do that for your studies as well. so you can divide and conquer.
Vanessa Mandal
Medical Director
25
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
The general rule of study time is for every 1 hour spent in class you should invest 2-3 hours of independent study. For a 3-credit course, this means 6-9 hours of study weekly. To manage softball, you would be looking at roughly 60 hours weekly on combined athletics and academics. Strict time management is needed. You cannot function optimally if you are sleep deprived, anxious and drained. I guard my time and energy fiercely. This means setting boundaries and saying no to activities that would steal valuable study or practice time.
Using gaps between classes for study
Student-athletes often get first pick of classes, so your courses are set around mandatory practice times.
Create a Strict Weekly Schedule: and make study times as mandatory
Complete assignments early during lighter travel weeks to prepare for busy, road-heavy tournament weeks.
Utilize academic advisors to keep on track.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-buffalo-wmopen-collegesuccess/chapter/text-class-time-to-study-time-ratio/
https://www.tuitionrewards.com/newsroom/articles/404/managing-time-as-a-student-athlete
https://untappedlearning.com/time-management-the-balancing-act/
Using gaps between classes for study
Student-athletes often get first pick of classes, so your courses are set around mandatory practice times.
Create a Strict Weekly Schedule: and make study times as mandatory
Complete assignments early during lighter travel weeks to prepare for busy, road-heavy tournament weeks.
Utilize academic advisors to keep on track.
Vanessa recommends the following next steps:
Jeya Prakash Muthukrishnan
Project Manager
18
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Jeya Prakash’s Answer
Hi Emery,
Juggling college sports, studies, and a social life can be tough, but with the right approach, many student-athletes manage it well. Here are some helpful tips to get you ready:
1. Master Time Management
As a college athlete, your schedule will be packed. Start organizing now:
Use a planner or app to set aside time for classes, practice, travel, studying, and rest.
Break big assignments into smaller tasks and plan them out before they're due.
Use short breaks between classes or during travel to review notes or read.
2. Focus on Your Studies
Remember, you're a student first, even as an athlete.
Pick a major that truly interests you, not just the easiest one.
Talk to your professors early if games might make you miss classes.
Take advantage of resources like tutoring centers and study halls for athletes.
3. Study Smart
With limited time, make your study sessions count:
Study in focused bursts of 30–60 minutes with short breaks.
Review notes daily instead of cramming.
Study with teammates when you can, as many athletes help each other with academics.
4. Manage Your Energy
Sports can be physically demanding:
Get enough sleep and eat well.
Schedule some downtime to avoid burnout.
Listen to your body and take recovery seriously.
5. Pick Activities Wisely
You can still enjoy college life, but choose carefully:
Join one or two clubs or activities you really enjoy.
Your team will likely become a big part of your social life and support network.
6. Communicate With Coaches
When deciding on a college:
Ask coaches about practice times, travel, and academic support.
Look for programs that value both academics and athlete wellbeing.
7. Build Discipline Early
Playing school and travel softball is great preparation. Try to:
Balance practice, schoolwork, and rest now.
Create routines that will help you in college.
8. Find Your Balance
You might not make it to every event, but many college athletes still:
Make close friends
Join some campus activities
Enjoy their college years.
The discipline from sports often helps athletes succeed in school and life.
Juggling college sports, studies, and a social life can be tough, but with the right approach, many student-athletes manage it well. Here are some helpful tips to get you ready:
1. Master Time Management
As a college athlete, your schedule will be packed. Start organizing now:
Use a planner or app to set aside time for classes, practice, travel, studying, and rest.
Break big assignments into smaller tasks and plan them out before they're due.
Use short breaks between classes or during travel to review notes or read.
2. Focus on Your Studies
Remember, you're a student first, even as an athlete.
Pick a major that truly interests you, not just the easiest one.
Talk to your professors early if games might make you miss classes.
Take advantage of resources like tutoring centers and study halls for athletes.
3. Study Smart
With limited time, make your study sessions count:
Study in focused bursts of 30–60 minutes with short breaks.
Review notes daily instead of cramming.
Study with teammates when you can, as many athletes help each other with academics.
4. Manage Your Energy
Sports can be physically demanding:
Get enough sleep and eat well.
Schedule some downtime to avoid burnout.
Listen to your body and take recovery seriously.
5. Pick Activities Wisely
You can still enjoy college life, but choose carefully:
Join one or two clubs or activities you really enjoy.
Your team will likely become a big part of your social life and support network.
6. Communicate With Coaches
When deciding on a college:
Ask coaches about practice times, travel, and academic support.
Look for programs that value both academics and athlete wellbeing.
7. Build Discipline Early
Playing school and travel softball is great preparation. Try to:
Balance practice, schoolwork, and rest now.
Create routines that will help you in college.
8. Find Your Balance
You might not make it to every event, but many college athletes still:
Make close friends
Join some campus activities
Enjoy their college years.
The discipline from sports often helps athletes succeed in school and life.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Emery
K Chandra Mohan
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
K Chandra’s Answer
1. Master Time Management
Time is your most valuable resource.
Tips:
Use a weekly planner or digital calendar to block out classes, practice, workouts, travel, and study time.
Schedule study sessions right after class while the material is fresh.
Break large assignments into smaller tasks.
2. Prioritize Academics First
Remember: being a student-athlete means school comes first.
Aim to complete assignments before travel days or competitions.
Stay ahead of deadlines.
Use campus resources like tutoring or study halls.
3. Communicate with Professors Early
Let professors know about your athletic schedule.
Do this at the start of the semester:
Share competition travel dates
Ask about make-up work policies
Request materials ahead of time when possible
5. Take Care of Your Body
Your academic performance is tied to your physical health.
Focus on:
Sleep (7–9 hours)
Proper nutrition
Hydration
Recovery routines (stretching, ice baths, mobility)
Time is your most valuable resource.
Tips:
Use a weekly planner or digital calendar to block out classes, practice, workouts, travel, and study time.
Schedule study sessions right after class while the material is fresh.
Break large assignments into smaller tasks.
2. Prioritize Academics First
Remember: being a student-athlete means school comes first.
Aim to complete assignments before travel days or competitions.
Stay ahead of deadlines.
Use campus resources like tutoring or study halls.
3. Communicate with Professors Early
Let professors know about your athletic schedule.
Do this at the start of the semester:
Share competition travel dates
Ask about make-up work policies
Request materials ahead of time when possible
5. Take Care of Your Body
Your academic performance is tied to your physical health.
Focus on:
Sleep (7–9 hours)
Proper nutrition
Hydration
Recovery routines (stretching, ice baths, mobility)
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Emery
Nik .
5
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Nik’s Answer
To balance high-level softball with a "full" college experience, focus on these three professional strategies:
Master the "Gap" Schedule: College athletes rarely have large blocks of free time. Use small windows between classes or during travel to complete assignments, treating these "gaps" as mandatory study sessions.
Prioritize Energy Over Everything: You can’t enjoy clubs or friends if you are burnt out. Your academic performance is tied to your physical health; prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep ensures you have the energy to participate in campus life.
Communicate Early: To avoid academic stress during the season, share your travel schedule with professors at the start of the semester. This builds the trust needed to balance your sport with academic requirements and social organizations.
Master the "Gap" Schedule: College athletes rarely have large blocks of free time. Use small windows between classes or during travel to complete assignments, treating these "gaps" as mandatory study sessions.
Prioritize Energy Over Everything: You can’t enjoy clubs or friends if you are burnt out. Your academic performance is tied to your physical health; prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep ensures you have the energy to participate in campus life.
Communicate Early: To avoid academic stress during the season, share your travel schedule with professors at the start of the semester. This builds the trust needed to balance your sport with academic requirements and social organizations.