Being a collegiate DI track and field student-athlete at the University of Arkansas is no easy feat. Being a part of a championship winning team comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. From early morning workouts to late-night study sessions, the days are jam-packed with a mix of intense physical training and demanding academic requirements. So, what does a day in the life of a collegiate track and field student at the University of Arkansas look like? Join us as we take a closer look at the rigorous schedule, training routines, and academic demands that come at this level. 

My name is Amanda Fassold and here is what a typical day in the life looks like for me at the University of Arkansas!

7:00 – 8:00 AM – Weights

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the day starts off with morning weights. This weight session goes from 7-8:00 am. Even though this is an early wake up call, all of us athletes love our strength and conditioning coach and the environment. Waking up early to get stronger with your teammates is rewarding. 

8:30 – 9:00 AM – Breakfast

After weights the team will go eat breakfast in what we call the Jones Center (JC) for short. Correctly stated is the Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center. Other than the track, this is where most athletes at the DI university spend most of their time. People will eat, study, and have meetings in the Jones Center. 

Related: Daily Grind: DI College Track Athlete Ethan Carney

9:30 – 10:45 AM – Class

This is the time of my first class of the day, I am a masters student getting my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) so I typically have around 1-2 classes a day. This one is my only class for the day. I typically am very tired from weights and struggle to get through it, but it helps knowing that's my only class for the day. 

10:45 – 11:30 AM – Free Time

I try to use this time after class to get some things done. Like answering emails, making calls, homework, etc… As DI athletes we are used to always running around and having something to do so with any free time it is smart to get some of it done. That being said, the reality of it is some days I am so tired I need to take a quick nap and that is okay!

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Lunch

Lunch time rolls around and I get dressed to head to practice right after eating. The Jones Center (JC) takes really good care of us in just about every aspect including fueling our bodies. The JC always has food options that change on the daily basis to switch it up for us. That being said, I eat a little something different every lunch but my favorite would be the pasta bar and on really tough workout days, a safe sandwich. 

Related: Intuitive Eating for College Athletes: 4 Tips to Promote Food Wellness

12:30 – 2:30 PM – Free Time

Some more open time to get stuff done that I have to do for school, work, or athletics. As I said, there truly is always something you have to get done, at least for me. I also try to use these blocks of time that I have for important meetings, appointments, or calls I may have to get done. Knowing your schedule really well helps you to use your time efficiently.

2:30 – 3:15 PM –  Treatment

Right before practice I plan some time to get treatment done with the athletic trainers. This entails some stretching, heating, taping etc… Whatever my body is needing that day or what we have been working on in the past. Simply making sure the body is ready and feeling well to get through whatever hard workout we have for the day. 

Related: Coach Interview: DIII Athletic Trainer on How to Train For Your First College Preseason

3:15 – 5:15 PM – Practice time!

Time to warm up, stretch, and get the workout done. We have three different warm ups and our coach tells us which one we will be doing for the day. My teammates and I try to guess as a fun little game. After we are done warming up we get ready to complete whatever workout is on the agenda for the day. Once we are done with the workout, if any treatment is needed we will go back into the athletic training room and receive some rehab. 

5:15 – 11:00 PM – Class/Relax!

Some days I will have a class during this block but if not this time is filled with  studying or relaxing time. Getting a nice relaxing shower in and cleaning up my apartment. Preparing to take on the week and do something mentally for myself to re-energize. I used to go to bed at 12 am but as I have been training harder, I realize how important that sleep is for me. I now go to bed at 11 PM to then start that day all over again! It is a dream for myself being able to compete at the highest level of DI collegiate athletics and being able to work towards my MBA while doing it. It is a lot of hard work and needs good time management skills, but it is all worth it. 

Image Credit: Arkansas Razorbacks

What's a day in your life like? Share your Daily Grind at [email protected].

* Originally published on June 21, 2023, by Amanda Fassold