All athletes know that preparation is key–but it's much easier to prepare for a single match, game, or even season than it is to prepare for your career as a college athlete. But getting prepped for college sports is a surefire way to ensure that you'll be able to take it all on. Here's how you can get ready for what will be one of the most rewarding, difficult, and frustrating experiences of your life.

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I played volleyball at Notre Dame and intensity has always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Long road trips, early mornings, competitive tears, and sore muscles were all indicators that I was doing what I loved most. They were badges of honor, so taking my high school game to the next level was something I saw as the next prize. Physically making the transition to college is the easier part. You lift 2-3 times a week, eat way more food, and clock in more cardio than you ever have in your life…not to mention practice. Your sleep schedule takes a toll, but you learn to adjust, and you will thrive. 

But mentally making the transition is an entirely different story. 

The Challenge

To prepare for this change, in short, you must start taking yourself seriously. Your grades matter, your health matters, and your choices matter to the longevity of your career. For the University of Notre Dame, I had to prepare myself academically for the rigor of the classroom. This task included taking AP courses and studying long hours for standardized testing. Slacking off in fitness became a diminishing option as I hoped to ease the adjustment to college level training. I had a conversation with my future strength coach detailing what would be expected of me for my freshman year and worked adamantly to meet that standard. Your fitness level is everything at the college level. 

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Playing for the University of Notre Dame is a privilege. What I experience every day is the legacy of greatness; this is a legacy that is recognized on a global level. To be an ambassador for this institution and what they strive for is an honor.  I have learned to better myself mentally, physically, and spiritually through my daily interaction with the community on campus. A quick glimpse into the network of Notre Dame is exceedingly impressive including individuals who inspire hard work and greatness in all the lives they touch. 

Lifelong Rewards

I think the greatest thing about being a college athlete is not everyone knows what you go through. Most people cannot fathom the sacrifice, cannot relate the agony of a loss, and cannot comprehend the euphoria of giving your all to a group of individuals outside yourself for the love of the game. But this is the beauty of it all. Because if everyone could do it, if everyone understood, the value would be lost. 

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* Originally published on February 2, 2023, by Simmone Collins