Playing Division I soccer and transitioning into an assistant coaching position at the same level, Lucy Gunton-Jones has had plenty of experience with various aspects in the world of college sports. Gunton-Jones, who is now acting Assistant Athletic Director/Facilities & Operations at Iona college in New Rochelle, NY, has learned and grown in the college athletics industry throughout her career.

We sat down with Lucy to discuss the three tips she would give for being a successful student-athlete after seeing so many athletes enter into college sports and going through the process firsthand. 

Enjoy The Process

During the interview, Lucy reiterated how if you are a student-athlete, you should be “taking care of yourself, you are a person not just a sport” and “you should have other interests.” Being a collegiate athlete is so much more than just being on a team and having the label of a “college athlete.” It's about the experiences you have and the memories you make. Lucy also says “taking care of your mental health” is a key component to enjoying your time both in and out of your sport.

Asking about what she would tell her college self, Lucy says she “would tell my college self now to enjoy the four years even more. It really is the best four years. The friends you make are the friends you keep for life and just enjoy being around them everyday.” 

Related: 5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known My Freshman Year With UCLA Beach Volleyball Player Lexy Denaburg

Balance Your Life

Being able to find a balance between athletes and academics is a challenge, but not impossible for college athletes.  “Juggling academics in season is being organized and dedicating time for academics,” Gunton-Jones explained and added that “Having a schedule you follow and making sure you know when assignments  are due” can be a good way for athletes to organize their time and make sure they can get things done and also carve out time for themselves.

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Make Sure You Get To Know The Athletic Admin As They Will Be Your References 

Gunton-Jones stressed the importance of college athletes maintaining good relationships outside of their team and focusing on themselves as holistic people off the field. “The sport you play should not affect the way you carry yourself,” she said. “You represent your sport in the way you carry yourself, not the other way round. I know from experience if you have a bad encounter with an athlete the whole team gets labeled.” This means that building relationships with the athletic department will help you form bonds that can positively affect your future.

Being a college athlete comes with its pros and cons, and Lucy Gunton-Jones has seen many athletes with many different stories. Her tips apply to anyone who is trying to be the best they can be as an athlete and a student pursuing a degree to further themselves. If anything, we hope Lucy's tips can guide you down the right path towards becoming an all around successful college athlete.
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* Originally published on October 17, 2022, by Sarah Borer