From the Court to the Classroom—Helpful Advice for Student Athletes
Now that NCAA Division III athletics have returned, our Chatham Cougar athletes have resumed their regularly scheduled programming—a nonstop college grind! Between practice, games, classwork, class time, on-campus jobs… well, you see how this could add up. We’re checking in with some helpful advice for how both new and returning student athletes* can strategize their demanding but rewarding schedules. Check out our recommendations below and be sure to sign up for The Athlete in Me on Thursday, March 18, a Zoom talk and judgement-free space to discuss how to thrive amidst the rigors of being a student athlete.
*Please enjoy these featured photos from Cougar seasons past!
Create a Schedule
It’s crucial for every student at Chatham to build out a functional and reliable daily schedule that allots for class, meals, study time, jobs, internships and more. Add a DIII practice schedule to the mix and now we’re in the realm of advanced schedule strategizing. Take the time to get organized! Check out this list of planning and reminder apps for students and break your day down into bite-sized chunks. If screen-time stresses you out, go old-fashioned and invest in a planner. Or, if you need a helpful daily visual, build out a monthly wall calendar that utilizes a color-coding technique.
Rely on Your Teammates and Friends
Unlike many first-year students on campus, student athletes arrive at Chatham with a built-in support system: their coaches and teammates. It can take time to meet the friends that you click with in college—that’s why having a roster full of people you can count on is something special. Take advantage of these relationships by participating in team dinners and team bonding experiences. Check in with your teammates regularly and invite them to do activities with you, like exploring the city or trying new restaurants. Build relationships that encourage support, respect boundaries, and empower each other’s strengths.
Ask for Help
If you look around on campus, you’ll find no shortage of faculty and staff that are ready and willing to support you. Introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of each term and ensure that they’re aware of any athletic-related absences you’ll have throughout the year. If you have to miss class for a game, stop by your professor’s office hours and ask to borrow notes from a classmate. Need help balancing your priorities? Check in with an older student athlete for advice on how they strategized their college experience. If you have an on-campus job, chat with your boss about what your schedule looks like and what hours you can commit to throughout each semester.
“I chose to come to Chatham because the small class size would allow me greater opportunities for learning. I have developed relationships with professors that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else. ”
Communication is Key
If accountability is what you need, ask your teammate, roommate, or classmate (bonus points if they’re all of the above) to be your accountability buddy. Say you’d rather binge Netflix than study for an upcoming test— text your accountability buddy and ask them to keep you company at the library for a few hours. If you’re struggling in the classroom, talk with your professors about opportunities for extra credit or additional time on an assignment. And if your athletic performance is dragging, talk to your coaches and teammates about exercises or techniques that might help you improve.
Utilize Self-Care Strategies
Though you may have a more structured fitness regimen than many students on campus, consistent exercise is not a complete self-care routine—especially not when you’re feeling tired, stressed, or burnt out. Be honest with yourself about what you need to feel healthy and practice self-compassion in the moments when the answer is slowing down. If a thirty-minute nap would boost your energy level, find a way to build that into your schedule for the day. If you’re really missing a home-cooked meal, ask a friend to try making a beloved recipe with you. And if you’re just not sure what you need to feel better, check in with your support network to receive a few fresh recommendations.
Embrace the Whirlwind
Thanks to the sheer quantity of responsibilities on your plate, things are going to get topsy-turvy every now and then. If you drop a ball or two—whether metaphorical or real—forgive yourself, figure out how to avoid that in the future, and keep going. This is going to be one of the busiest times of your life, but it is also a time to make cherished memories, form unbreakable bonds, and take steps towards the future of your dreams. Take advantage of the opportunity you’ve been afforded and make the most of your college time, on the court and in the classroom.
Hoping to learn more about Chatham Athletics? Check out gochathamcougars.com.
