My time as a college athlete has helped bring about quite a few lessons I’ll carry with me long after my career on the field is through. What are some of the most important things I’ve learned along the way? It was tough to find a way to fit them all in one list, but here are the 12 best things my college career has taught me.
12. Self-Discipline
Great responsibility comes with a lot of time management, discipline and drive to accomplish goals. College athletes know this better than anyone else on campus.
11. Life isn’t fair
It’s not and it’s never going to be. So accept it, move on and live your life as best you can.
10. Star college athletes are not as great as they’re perceived
They are not innocent. They are not the hero the media makes them out to be. And they’ve probably made their fair share of mistakes off the field. That doesn’t make he or she a bad person, but they just aren’t the person you think they are.
9. Eating correctly is really important
I really didn’t understand the nutrient side of being an athlete until I gained 20 pounds freshman year. Apparently, it was eating Chick-Fil-A five times a week that was causing me to throw up every practice. I learned quickly.
8. Weight gain is so real
The most humbling thing I’ve ever experienced in college was the freshman fifteen, and that it’s easier gained than lost. Being on a college campus with so many unhealthy options makes it that much more difficult to make the right choice.
7. Whether it’s good or bad, everyone is going to talk about you
So who cares. Just be you. Nobody does it better.
6. Failing is a normal stepping stone of life
Failure sets you up to become the person you’re supposed to be — not just in sports, but in life. It teaches you things that winning never can. This is a normal and necessary stepping stone, so embrace the valleys along with the peaks.
5. Sleeping late means setting an alarm for after 8am
You haven’t experienced early unless you’ve set an alarm for a 5am morning workout. Getting up before the sun rises is no fun.
4. Dealing with different people’s personalities will never go away
When on a team, you must deal with all different types of personalities and what those individuals bring to the table. Prepare yourself to handle it all, which is much easier said than done.
3. Accuracy/speed to get to the nearest trash can is vital
Every athlete has experienced that one workout where there is only one thing on his or her mind — not blowing chunks all over the coach’s face. Always have a quick exit strategy if things something starts to come up… literally.
2. Perseverance
Cliché but true. In order to be successful at anything, you must fight all the trials and tribulations. Embrace the journey along the way, because how you got there is what matters. The result is nice, but not nearly as important.
1. Win or lose, college kids know what to do
You and your teammates are either going to celebrate a win, or do something to help forget the loss. Either way, knowing what to do after the game finishes is a cardinal rule for any real athlete.
Are you a college athlete? What are some of the things you’ve learned during your playing career? We’d love to hear what you think.
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*Section Photo credit to Gregory Shamus, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Nelson Chenault, USA Today Sports
