Unlike in college athletics, being a professional athlete gives you more freedom in how you spend your time and what you do on a daily basis. Like in college, schedules will fluctuate depending on whether it is a game day, travel day, team meetings, etc. If injuries occur, then the amount of training may change or there may be more recovery some days. Nutrition also is very important so there is a lot of time put into making meals and meal prepping. While there are still many things that you need to get done, you have more of a say in how you spend your time–there are no classes, study halls, or meetings with advisors. You are no longer spending multiple hours sitting in a classroom or library. Instead, your full focus is on your sport because it is your full-time job.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
While the schedule of a professional athlete heavily depends on the sport and their practice times, this is an example of what a day in my life as a pro hockey player looks like in season.
9:00am: Wake up
10:00am: Breakfast
Related: Recipes for Athletes: The Breakfast Burrito of Champions
10:30am: Read/writing time
11-2:00pm: Individual workout
2:30pm: Lunch
3-5:00: Rest and recovery time
5-5:30pm: Pre-practice snack
5:45-9:00: Team workout and practice
9:00pm: Dinner
10:00pm: Shower and night time routine
11:00pm: Bed time
Related: 5 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Schedule As a College Athlete
Not every professional athlete has the same schedule and daily schedules change depending on whether an athlete is in season or in their offseason. These schedules are very individualized and can heavily depend on the team's schedule or the time of year, but if you decide to go pro in your sport, this might be what your typical workday looks like.
Daily Grind articles are posted every Tuesday to provide a look into a day in the life of a college athlete and to give an example of time management skills. What's a day in your life like? Share your Daily Grind at [email protected]
Image Credit: Elite Prospects
* Originally published on February 15, 2023, by Marissa Massaro
