Making the jump from high school to college is not an easy one, even for the best players. Being a freshman can be an overwhelming experience – athletically, academically, and socially. Finding your role on a new team, balancing sport and academics, getting used to new coaches and teammates, adjusting to life as a student athlete is a transition. Freshmen year is a full of growing pains, but also a year full unforgettable memories. Here are some tips to help maximize your first year of college as a student athlete. 

1. Have strong time management skills

Time management is absolutely crucial. As a freshmen, you are going to have a lot thrown at you and it’s imperative that you balance your time properly. Practice, weights/conditioning, multiple classes a day, study hall, homework, social life – all on top of games and travel. With such a demanding schedule and heavy load, It’s extremely important to be efficient with your time and keep your priorities in order. Keep a schedule so you can stay on top of your daily tasks and obligations for the week. Because there will be so much on your plate, avoid procrastination- get things done in a productive, organized, and timely manner. 

2. Be adaptable 

Everything is new when you get to college. Your teammates, your coaches, your schedule, your curriculum, your friends, etc. While being thrust into a new environment can be intimidating at first, try to embrace it and be open minded. There will be many moments where you will be pushed outside your comfort zone, but these moments are where you will grow. Whether it’s in the classroom or on the court, embrace the change and challenges that come with freshmen year. 

3. Take advantage of the resources around you

Freshmen year carries a massive load and sometimes it can get to be too much. If you feel yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many if not all colleges offer academic help and mental health resources available for those needing an extra hand. If you are struggling on the court, ask to meet with one of your coaches or a teammate that you look up to. Take advantage of the resources around you and don’t be afraid to seek support from those around you. Ask for help now, not later. Be resourceful and take care of your mental health. 

4. Take care of yourself 

Make sure that you are getting proper rest and recovery. With such a crazy schedule, it’s extremely important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep, that you are fuelling your body with nutritious foods, and that you are setting time aside for other things that fill your cup. Because freshmen year can take its toll, staying mentally and physically healthy is crucial. Most of the year you will probably feel like you are on fight or flight mode, so managing your stress levels will be huge. Prioritize your health and recovery to avoid burn out and/or injuries.

5. Be patient

Odds are slim that you will come into college and be an immediate superstar. More likely, you will be fighting for playing time against older, stronger, and more experienced players. A lot of players won’t even touch the court their freshmen year. Don’t get discouraged if you are not getting as much playing time as you’d hoped for. As a freshmen, you are back at the bottom of the totem poll and must work your way up. Learn from the veteran players around you and focus on the controllables, like your attitude and work ethic. Enjoy the ride, don’t compare your journey to your teammates and keep working hard. 

6. Set personal goals (on and off the court)

Set personal goals for yourself every week to tick off. Your goals can be in the classroom, or on the court. Maybe you want to get an extra 500 shots up every week, or you want to ace your next big test coming up next week. Your goals can be big or small, just make sure they are realistic and attainable. Write them down to hold yourself accountable. Having specific goals for yourself will help keep you focused, build your confidence, and stay motivated. 

7. Learn from your mistakes

You are going to make so many mistakes freshmen year – it’s part and parcel of being a freshmen! Rather than beat yourself up, reflect and learn from your shortcomings – don’t dwell on them. Everybody is going through the same feelings of doubt and uncertainty, you are not alone. Whether you had a bad game or you failed an exam, give yourself some grace and understand that freshmen year is an adjustment for everyone. Don’t get down on yourself!Seek opportunity in the challenges and learn from your mistakes.

8. Do more than what’s required of you

Showing up will be hard in itself some days. Early morning lifts, practice, and late nights of studying can become draining but try and make the effort to get in extra work when you can. Missing shots in practice? Get extra shots up on your off day. Getting pushed around in the games? Ask your s+c coach to add an extra lift to your program. Having a hard time remembering the plays? Grab a coach and ask them to watch film with you. Doing more will also help build trust with your older teammates and coaching staff, showing that you are hard working and dependable. 

9. Always keep a positive attitude

Freshmen year is a rapid learning curve. It’s also a rapid year of growth and guaranteed to be full of highs and lows. Nobody gets through freshmen year unscathed, so don’t panic when the going gets tough. There will be growing pains and there will be some tough days where you may question yourself. If you come into freshmen year with a positive mindset and welcome the adversity that is to come, you are setting yourself up for a much easier transition. Attack the challenges of freshmen year head on and stay positive. By maintaining a positive attitude it will be easier to make it through the tough days. 

10. Have fun!

Although it will feel like you’re running at a mile a minute, try to slow down and soak up the experience as much as you can. Your freshman year of college will be one of the most memorable years of your life. Enjoy the good moments, learn from the bad ones, and embrace everything in between.