Entering a Power 5 baseball program can be both an exciting and daunting time. Power 5 baseball is no joke. The guys around you will be big, fast, strong, and hungry to compete. It is important to clearly understand what to expect so that you can be prepared when you step onto campus. 

1. Variety of Tests and Clearance Procedures

As soon as you get to campus, you will have to go through a variety of tests. You will have to complete a physical, an EKG, and meet with the team doctor. You might also have to complete some other miscellaneous tests such as a pacer test (cardiovascular test) and an eye exam. Concussion protocols and blood work are also standard for most universities. Once all this is done, you will be cleared to participate in workouts and skill instruction. 

2. Arriving on Campus in the Summer

Most colleges will have their true freshmen come into campus during the summer in a program called “Summer Bridge.” This program allows freshmen to get acclimated to the collegiate environment and get them settled in before the fall begins. 

• You will most likely have a meeting with your coaches and all of your fellow freshmen. 
• After this, you will begin to attend a plethora of meetings revolving around NIL, academic misconduct, community service, financial education, nutrition, and similar topics. 
• You will also be enrolled in a couple of summer classes to get you settled into the college academic environment. 
• Over the summer, workouts will consist of fundamental movements and limited load. In other words, you will go through the proper technique for your main lifts with minimal weight. This does not change no matter how experienced of a lifter you are. 

3. Consequences for Being Late and Missing Lifts, Assignments, and Meetings

As a freshman, it is easy to get overwhelmed by your busy schedule. You will have almost every second of your day packed. However, it is important to purchase a calendar and keep all of your appointments tidy and in order. If you fail to do this, there will be consequences. In addition to this, you will start to get on the bad side of your coaches. You want to be as “low maintenance” as possible. This means the coaches should not always worry about you, your health, or your timeliness to certain appointments and meetings. The best players are always low maintenance. If you do miss an assignment or a meeting, you will most likely be punished by running or doing service for the team. 

4. Prioritizing Sleep and Recovery on Weekends

Weekends are a fun and exciting time in college. However, as a student-athlete, weekends can also provide another advantage: recovery. Getting quality sleep, nutrition, and recovery on the weekends can be a game changer when it comes to your performance in games and practices. You will be faced with many temptations on the weekends. These include staying out late to party, staying away from the field, and eating bad food. It is important to have a healthy balance when it comes to weekend activities. Make sure to be social with your teammates and friends on the weekends, but also make sure to keep a consistent sleep and eating schedule.

5. Stress Levels and Increases in Overall Volume

Going to college is a huge shift in one's life. For most students, college is their first time away from their parents for an extended period. As a result, your stress levels will rise. In addition to increased stress, you will also experience an increase in overall throwing/playing volume. Your workouts and practices will be more intense, as well as your classes! Many freshmen go down with injuries during this period because of the drastic increase in workload. Make sure you are taking care of your body and your mind!