Being a rookie college athlete is an intimidating experience–you are faced with going to an entirely new place, with entirely new people, all in an entirely new atmosphere than you are used to. Often new college athletes can feel overwhelmed and as if they are all alone…but you are not. Plenty of us have been there, done that, myself included. Here are four things I've learned that will hopefully help rookie college athletes like yourself.

It will go by A LOT faster than you think 

Being a college athlete is truly something remarkable: you meet lifelong friends and get to further your education all while playing the sport you love. When you walk onto campus the first day, your four-year clock has started ticking, and it will be over before you know it. Embrace your journey: you get to wake up for 6 am practice, you get to sprint from practice to lift to class. All these things that you can't wait to be over are all things you are going to miss when you're done, so take it all in. 

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It is NOT all about playing time 

A common misconception is that you're defined by how much you play in your respective sport, but college athletics is about way more than playing time–it's also about the relationships you build, how you grow your character, and how you can be the best asset to your team. Deciding to pout about not playing enough or bad mouthing your teammates will only drain you. When you get your opportunity to play, take advantage of it, show all of your hard work and what you have to offer, and when you step off the field, court, rink, be the best possible teammate you can be. 

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You need to be not only physically prepared but mentally and emotionally 

Playing soccer in college, my biggest worry was always “am I going to be fit enough to pass the fitness test?” A common line of thinking is that you need to be the fittest you've ever been to be a successful college athlete. While fitness is a part of the equation, the emotional and mental side of preparation are just as, if not more important than the physical side. Take time to do things you enjoy doing–every minute of every day shouldn't be engulfed in your sport or school. See your friends when you have free time, get a coffee, take a nap, and–these small things will help you stay fresh throughout your career (you're only human after all!). 

Don't be afraid to ask for help

When coming in as a freshman, you will be exposed to a completely new environment, most likely away from people you are familiar with. It's okay to be confused and need help. If you don't know where something is or need advice, ask a teammate. If you need a tutor, ask your athletic academic advisor. If you're struggling with your mental health, seek help from a therapist or counselor on campus. The worst thing you can do when you need help is to not ask, especially when almost all universities have the necessary resources to help you get help.

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* Originally published on August 11, 2022, by Andrea Leitner