Hi there, I’m Isa! I’m a student athlete here at the College of Saint Rose, playing for our Women’s Basketball team. Today, I’m here to share five tips that will help you in your time as a student athlete. I hope this advice helps you the same way it has helped me!
ENJOY THE RIDE AND BE PRESENT
Practices, film, classes, meetings, advisement, scouting, voluntary practices… it can feel like a full-time job. Stay steady and remember that you are living out your dreams, so don’t forget to enjoy it!
As a student athlete, you also know how important it is to stay focused. When you live life on the go, there’s no time to sit around because before you know it, you’re on your way to play against another team. That is why it’s also important to CHECK YOUR BAG before leaving for an away game – you don’t want to be that person!
Senior Becca Townes celebrating with the women’s basketball team at Senior Night on February 14, 2022.
MANAGING YOUR TIME IS KEY
As soon as you have your season schedule, make sure you send it to your professors so they know when you will be missing class. Remember to make up your classwork – you aren’t off the hook! Use your phone to set reminders to find time for everything.
Planning ahead of the game and staying on top of your academics will make this journey worth it, I promise. Don’t forget that the bus is also a great place to do your homework, unless you just played a game and you can barely keep your eyes open…(we’ve all been there!)
Isa Sanchez staying on top of her studies in the Campus Green.
YOU NEED TO DO IT YOURSELF
You’re in college now – your parents are not going to come to your dorm and tell you to turn the TV off. If you want to make it happen, YOU have to make it happen. The extra hours you put in, the extra workouts, the effort, the resiliency – that all has to come from you. No one is going to force you to take that ice bath in the training room or put in extra effort in your classes. So, if you want to be great, do great things!
Isa Sanchez scoring a three-pointer against the University of Massachusetts.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Student athletes may seem like they’re just walking around campus with school gear, but let me tell you, the pressure on our shoulders is not as fun as it seems. As a student athlete, you should take care of your mental health the same way you brush your teeth every morning. I know that the pressure that comes with performing at your best while balancing all the other million things that you have going on is hard. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you’re struggling, reach out to the Counseling Center and to your coaches, professors, and teammates for support.
The Women’s Basketball team having fun together on the court.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY
As an athlete, you are in a very good position when it comes down to making connections. You can take advantage of this by getting involved with the athletic department and learning about the different people that are involved with your sport. Networking is a very important part of college and being an athlete only gives you more opportunities to make strong connections. Remember, connections have always opened more doors than keys!
The 2021-22 Saint Rose Women’s Basketball team.
Always remember that you are good enough to be where you are. You deserve your spot on the team, you earned it with your sweat and hard work. You can do this! I am so proud of you.
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