The Look into the Life of a Student-Athlete
Because we all know maintaining a balanced lifestyle isn’t so easy.
by JENNA LOPES ★ FEBRUARY 16, 2022
We all go to college thinking we know exactly what we want to do. Yet, the truth of the matter is that most of us end up feeling clueless and lost. I am currently a sophomore and I feel as though I am just now finally getting into the groove of things. I’m sure most current sophomores can agree that a lot of us still feel like freshmen. I went into this year worried that I wasn’t on the right path or that I wouldn’t find a “path” at all. It wasn’t until I took a leap of faith, followed my passion, and didn’t leave room for doubt, that I was able to get into the flow of things.
I grew up always having sports be a big part of my life. I never went to the gym, went on runs, or did workout classes because my sport was my workout, it was a part of my lifestyle. Entering college was the first time in my life that I was not actively involved in some sort of team. I never planned on being a student-athlete in college and didn’t think that not doing a sport would have such a huge impact on my lifestyle.
I bet many athletes (or former athletes) know the feeling of stepping into the gym for the first time and not knowing where to start. While I’ve been to the gym before, I’ve never gone in not knowing what to do. Additionally, when it came to finding balance, I struggled. I put off work until the last minute, had the most random workout schedule, and realized my eating habits had changed after no longer being on an athlete’s diet. Sports have sort of been the backbone of my healthy lifestyle. I based my eating habits, workout tendencies, and even time management skills entirely on the activity I was doing. So how does one maintain a healthy lifestyle when the foundation of it has crumbled? Well, I came to realize that it was totally doable, just not for me.
Credit: Instagram (@jennalopes)
Trying out to be a Syracuse Cheerleader was one of the best decisions of my life. Trying out as a sophomore, I thought my chances of making it were extremely low. After all, I hadn’t done cheer since high school, and I had spent a whole year of college not doing a sport. Nonetheless, I figured it was best to take the chance rather than regret the missed opportunity. On a whim, I tried out (late, might I add, as I had gotten my wisdom teeth out the day of tryouts). The next thing I know, i’m getting notifications on a random day in June saying that Syracuse Cheerleaders are requesting me on Instagram (such a timely way of finding out how you made a team).
Credit: Instagram (@jennalopes)
Fast forward to now, when just a few days ago I was named team MVP of the week. Getting into the swing of things again was not easy, but I feel like I’m complete again. With practice three days a week, games, and events, my schedule is packed. On top of that, add a dual major, being an active member in my sorority, part of organizations, and now a writer for University Girl. Not easy. I’m sure anyone who has ever done a sport knows that the lifestyle is an adjustment. For me, I view it as normal. Not having time to procrastinate work or fall behind forces me to put my best foot forward.
Credit: Instagram (@jennalopes)
Something about waking up sore after last night’s practice, staying late to improve skills, or eating dinner at Chipotle because all the dining halls are closed, leaves me feeling content. I find solace in knowing that I’m making the most of my time here. And my life is still not perfect. There are days when I’m up all night doing work or decide to push off the day’s tasks and enjoy a mental health day. And that’s okay because it’s the path I choose to take… and I don’t regret it for a second.
Cover Photo Credit: Instagram (@jennalopes)