In order to survive the competition on the field along with the pressure of making good grades in the classroom you have to sacrifice most of a social life. I am a student athlete at the College of Charleston and I learned the hard way that hard work and dedication towards your priorities is the only way to make it at this level. If you are fortunate enough to have a scholarship, the athletic department holds authority over the athletic component and in that role influences the student-athlete in ways that will maximize the individual s athletic performance and development. That is as it should be. When academic or social interests conflict with athletic concerns, student-athletes are made to understand that it is their athletic interests that are of primary importance, particularly since the athletic department is paying the freight with a scholarship.
Time management plays a key role in a college athlete to achieve success.
I make time before I go to bed to write out all I have to do from the next day in my daily planner. To tell the truth that is something we should all do anyhow. Some days I have to pack my lunch and eat within the ten minutes I have between classes. The late evening hours is the only time left for study. Yet, it is very hard at that time of night to be motivated to the books.