As an incoming college athlete, you are at an exciting, yet overwhelming stage in your life where you have the potential to reach new heights and achieve your dreams. However, the path to success is not always an easy one. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to push yourself beyond your limits. You may not know where to start, but I am here to help. I am going into my fifth year of college athletics, and through my personal experiences, research, and interviews we will explore the ways to make your college experience better while reaching your full potential as an athlete.

My Story

My journey as a college athlete has been an odd one. I was always the tallest in my grade and loved all types of sports. My first love was baseball growing up, however going into high school I did not make the team as a freshman, so I started trying other sports. I played a little bit of football freshman year on the B-team. Then, tried out for the volleyball team and still played travel baseball in the summer. Also tried out for the basketball team a few times but did not end up making it. I always knew I wanted to play a sport in college, it was my motivation to get good grades and stay out of trouble. However, I was not sure what sport or if I would even have the opportunity to play at the next level. In my junior year, I was approached in the cafeteria by a football coach and decided to play my senior year. Unfortunately, I was not given an opportunity to start until the last game of the season, so I only had a few clips I was able to use for my film to show to college coaches. I was fortunate enough to get recruited by a few Division 3 schools for football. After visiting some schools, I knew that North Central College was right for me and decided to commit there in 2019. So, I went to college in August 2019 with very little experience in my sport but knew I was in the right place.

As a freshman in college, I was 6’6” and around 240 pounds, but that was subject to change fast. I listened to my coaches who wanted me to put on weight and began eating 6 meals a day. As an incoming freshman, I knew the chances of playing were slim, but I was able to work my way onto the travel squad which was a goal of mine for that season. I also was looking to get better every day. I played mostly on the scout team, which services our starters as the team we are playing that week. I would say that this helped me tremendously, as a young athlete with not much playing experience. Since 2019, North Central College’s football team has made it to the past 3 national championship games for Division 3 (with no season in 2020). I am blessed to say I was a starter in two of these games. Throughout my college career, I have faced multiple obstacles but I continued to push and learn how to use my potential. I would say I am still currently learning how to use my full potential like many of you. Let this article help you with the next steps of your college athletic career.

7 Tips For Incoming College Athletes

Entering college as an athlete can be both exciting and daunting. You may have been a standout in high school, but now you're competing at a higher level, against more skilled and experienced athletes. However, with the right mindset and approach, you can reach your full potential as a college athlete. On top of all the steps I list below, be sure to set realistic goals. Another important step towards reaching your full potential is to set realistic goals. Set goals that are attainable yet challenging. For example, if your goal is to become an Olympic athlete, you may need to set smaller goals along the way, such as improving your sprint time or increasing your stamina. By setting realistic goals, you will be able to measure your progress and keep yourself motivated, one step at a time. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Set clear goals

Setting clear, specific goals is essential to reaching your full potential as a college athlete. Goals give you a sense of direction while also helping you stay focused on what you want to achieve. When setting goals, make sure they are realistic and achievable, but also challenging enough to push you out of your comfort zone. Write down your goals and keep them somewhere visible, so you can remind yourself of what you're working towards. Here is an article going into more detail on setting goals.

2. Develop a strong work ethic

College athletics requires a strong work ethic. You'll need to be dedicated and disciplined in your training, both on and off the field. This means showing up to practice on time, putting in 100% effort in every training session, and taking care of your body through proper nutrition, hydration, and rest. Remember, the work you put in now will pay off in the long run. 

It is not just about how much you train; it is also about how smart you train. Make sure you are following a structured training program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Work with your coach to develop a training program that includes a combination of strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Be sure to also incorporate rest days into your routine to give your body time to recover and avoid injury.

3. Focus on your strengths

As an athlete, it's important to know what your strengths are and to focus on developing them further. If you're a fast runner, work on improving your acceleration and top speed. If you have good ball control, focus on honing your dribbling and passing skills. By focusing on your strengths, you'll become a more well-rounded athlete and be better equipped to contribute to your team's success.

As a college athlete, you will face numerous distractions, such as social events, parties, and other activities that can take you away from your training. It is essential to stay focused on your goals and prioritize your training over other activities. This may mean making sacrifices, such as giving up some social events or staying up late to complete your workouts. However, the payoff will be worth it when you see the progress you are making toward your goals.

4. Identify areas for improvement

While it's important to focus on your strengths, it's also important to identify areas for improvement. Be honest with yourself about your weaknesses and work on developing those areas. For example, if you struggle with endurance, focus on building up your stamina through conditioning drills. If you have trouble with a particular skill, practice it until you master it. By improving your weaknesses, you'll become a more complete athlete.

5. Learn from your mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, and as a college athlete, you're no exception. However, the key is to learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth. When you make a mistake, figure out what went wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistake in the future. Use your mistakes as motivation to work harder and improve your performance. 

6. Prioritize Mental Health

College athletes are constantly under an immense amount of stress balancing their sports and schoolwork. A study from the NCAA showed that “30% of surveyed athletes feeling extremely overwhelmed, with nearly 25% feeling mentally exhausted” (Lindenberg 2021). So making sure that your mental health is in check is very important. Read more about prioritizing your mental health as a college athlete here.

7. Rest and Recovery

Proper nutrition and rest are essential for any athlete looking to reach their full potential. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet that can fuel you as an athlete. Consult with a nutritionist or your coach to help you develop a healthy eating plan that is tailored to your specific needs. You can find a helpful nutrition guide from Ohio State University here. 

Rest is just as important as training when it comes to reaching your full potential. Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night, as this is when your body repairs and regenerates. Avoid staying up late or engaging in activities that can interfere with your sleep patterns. If you are feeling fatigued, let your coach or trainer know before more physical activity.

In conclusion, there can be many tips and tools that help you reach your full potential. Through research and personal experience, I was able to narrow it down to 7 tips that will help you become the best college athlete you can be. In order to follow these tips and reach your full potential, you are going to need to be disciplined. This may mean staying in on a weekend to get some extra rest, or being brutally honest with yourself in order to excel as a college athlete. Overall, if you implement these 7 rules into your everyday life, you will be on your way to being the best you.