Life as a college student is not always smooth, and student athletes have the added challenge of balancing their sport commitments with their many other responsibilities.
Erica Arroyo a sophomore (women’s volleyball), Sam Darling a junior (women’s tennis), and Kameron Hartenstein a senior (men’s baseball) each have their own strategies to get through the semester.
Mental Health:
Mental health is a big part of the journey for student-athletes who balance the pressure of sports and academics. Taking care of your mind, through self-care or talking to others can always help.
Arroyo takes care of her mental health by doing activities that don’t involve academics or her sport of volleyball. She said her favorite workout classes to attend on campus include Pilates, indoor cycling and yoga.
Workout classes are always a good way to relieve stress when feeling overwhelmed as a student or student athlete. In addition, Darling said her hobbies consist of journaling, reading and going to church.
All these hobbies can be a way to distract and keep busy in times of need. Journaling is a great way to write everything down that is scrambling through your head. There are always ways to decompress from what is going on internally or in your life in general.
Setting Goals:
Creating goals as a student or student athlete is important because it gives direction and focus. Setting clear, achievable goals helps prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and stay motivated throughout the semester or season.
Kameron said, “each week I try to get work done before the weekends of travelling”.
Since he is in season, there is a lot of work to be done before competition. Setting small, achievable goals weekly can help to stay organized for the future.
For Arroyo, balance has always been a goal because it is important to not only work hard in academics but also in volleyball.
She said, “I am looking forward to working hard in the weight room, SLC and studying more in the library.”
These are achievable goals that will better her as a student and athlete. It is always good to separate the two and have goals serving different purposes.
Social Life:
Having a social life is crucial for student athletes and students during the spring semester because it helps maintain balance and supports mental well-being. Engaging with friends and peers provides a healthy break from the stresses of academics and athletics, reducing burnout and preventing feelings of isolation. Socializing always fosters a sense of community.
Since the semester has started Arroyo has been active with her friends, catching up since winter break.
” I have been enjoying my time back on campus, shopping at the mall, getting coffee with teammates at 7 brew” she said.
Darling has been spending time with her teammates since being back. She is involved in several clubs on campus.
“I find being a part of these clubs on campus has had a very positive impact on my social life as well as my career” she said.
These clubs have allowed her to grow academically, socially and spiritually, providing a platform to pursue her passions and meet new people.
In addition, during Hartenstein’s free time he keeps busy with his teammates off the field.
“I enjoy having movie nights at the house with the boys and occasionally going out to dinner in town” he said.