What it’s like to be a college athlete

There are over 410,000 student-athletes participating in NCAA sports throughout the three divisions. A very small percentage of them may have the opportunity to compete at the professional level after college. But most of them simply play a sport in college because they are extremely talented and love the game. There are various levels of competition in college. But if you are simply a good athlete and wish to continue playing sports beyond high school, there are many possibilities. Small colleges and two-year colleges offer NCAA sports as well and many of these schools are not extremely competitive. However, they still compete against other colleges throughout the area and assume a rigorous schedule.

Many students ask the question, “What is it like to be a student-athlete?” Remember that even the best college athletes in the country are still attending college for his/her primary reason: academics. But playing a sport in college is very time consuming, no matter what level you are competing at. In New Hampshire, a student may be able to compete at Division I (most competitive) at the likes of the University of New Hampshire. Or possibly get recruited to play at a Division II school such as Southern NH University. Some athletes choose to compete at the Division III level at colleges such as Keene State or Plymouth State University. Students should always ask themselves this important question, before choosing which college to attend: “If I were not playing a sport here, would I still choose this college?” If the answer is no, the student may want to re-examine his/her goals. While a sport takes up a lot of your time, academics and social life are still very important. Too much of one thing makes for an unbalanced and unhealthy life style.

Being a college athlete brings a lot of responsibility. You not only wear the school’s name and mascot on your chest, but you also represent the college on and off campus. College athletes take pride in representing their school with sportsmanship, leadership and honor. Playing college athletics makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. You are not only playing for yourself. You are not only playing for the team. You are representing the college, the college community and the neighboring towns the school is located in. It’s an experience, you’ll never forget.

A day in the life of…

Collegiate Baseball Player during the winter months
5:00 AM Wake up for morning practice
5:30 AM Practice in the athletic fieldhouse
8 AM Breakfast in the dining hall
8:30 AM – 12 PM Attend classes
12 – 1 PM Lunch
3 – 5 PM Attend classes or study
6 PM Dinner in the dining hall       
7 – 8:30 PM Workout in gym or participate in informal team practice
9 PM – 12 AM Study

Collegiate Baseball Player on Game Day
8 AM – 12 PM Attend classes
12 PM Eat lunch
1 PM Pre-game Begins at Sports Complex
3 PM Game time
7:30 PM Return to dorm
9 PM – 12 AM Study

Sports Played at the NCAA Level
FALL
Cross Country (W & M) 
Field Hockey (W)
Football (M)
Soccer (W & M)
Volleyball (W)
Water Polo (M)

WINTER
Basketball (W & M)
Bowling (W)
Fencing (M & W)
Gymnastics (W & M)
Ice Hockey (W & M)
Rifle (M & W)
Skiing (M & W)
Swimming & Diving (W & M)
Indoor Track & Field (W & M)
Wrestling (M)

SPRING
Baseball (M)
Golf (W & M)
Lacrosse (W & M)
Rowing (W)
Softball (W)
Tennis (W & M)
Outdoor Track & Field (W & M)
Volleyball (M)
Water Polo (W)

Looking for a Good Time?

College students looking for a good time usually head to the Office of Student Activities. The mission of the college’s student activities office is to create programs and events that are of interest to a broad range of students. When college students first arrive on campus, there is usually a student activity fair where every student organization will have an information table promoting their program and recruiting new members. A popular way for college students to advertise special activities is to post flyers or leave table tents in the cafeteria.  Some colleges have radio stations and TV stations. Almost all schools have a newspaper or student newsletter.

You wouldn’t believe all of the social, educational, cultural and recreational programs that colleges offer! Here are some diverse clubs and organizations at colleges across the country:

• International Club: Provides students with the opportunity to discuss international politics
• Gaming Club: Organizes and runs fantasy role playing games
• Multicultural Students Club: Focuses on the topics of diversity, injustice and equality
• Campus Ministry Club: Focuses on spiritual development of students and social justice issues
• Dance Club: Provides interested students with an outlet for expression and education in dance
• Hispanic Club: Promotes the language, culture, and history of Hispanic countries
• Political Club: Encourages students to vote and understand the political system
• Ski and Snowboard Club: Provides the opportunity for college students to go on trips to local mountains and to learn from their peers about the sport of skiing and snowboarding

One of the most interesting things to know about student activities at college is that most clubs are actually started by students.  So, if you get to college and have some ideas, you’ll know where to go!

Fraternities & Sororities

Many college students decide to join a fraternity or sorority in order to meet new people and make new friends. As “brothers” and “sisters” of the club, they are bonded and often stay connected throughout their entire lives. And, when they travel they meet other members from other campus chapters. 

Sometimes fraternities and sororities get a bad wrap for being too rowdy, but most Greek organizations are founded on high standards of leadership and community involvement. Greek life isn’t about the craziness sometimes seen in movies or on television. It is about building character, friendships and leadership development.

“Rush” is the period of time when college students evaluate the organizations on campus. When students are interested in becoming members of a fraternity/sorority they are sometimes referred to as “pledges”.

Once students become members, they will attend weekly meetings, leadership retreats, community service activities and fundraisers.