Why Student Athletes Struggle with Time Management

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Why Student Athletes Struggle with Time Management

Entering class Monday morning from a fun weekend, with a mindset that all is ok, I excitingly take a seat then, reality hits when my teacher utters “will you please hand in your research papers.” Your first thought is oh my how did I forget, and, before you know it, your grade takes a hit for the worst. This situation is common amongst freshman, student athletes; not only is a paper due, but they also have to make up a test, due to a traveling game a week ago. Time management has become more and more important with student athletes, who are required to do more than regular students. A statement from the online journal Athletic Insight argues, “recent evidence suggests that athletes may experience even greater levels of stress due to the dual demands of athletics and academics placed on them during their freshman year” (Pritchard, 2). Fulfilling the requirements for school, performing well athletically and maintaining a social life require time management, which many first year students fail to do, due to their lack of knowledge and experience.

For freshman athlete, college can be very demanding. As a student athlete, I am required to take 12 credit hours, complete 800 word papers, and study for tests, all this while still maintaining my presence on the athletic field. Doesn’t the eighth amendment state that no cruel or unusual punishment is to be performed on anyone? Once classes end around 12 p.m., I head to the café to get a bite to eat, with maybe an hour break. Then I’m off to the athletic field house to watch a film in preparation for the next week’s game and shortly after I’m off to practice until 7 p.m. After eating again, showering and running errands, I only have...

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...th my English work. Although, it is a negative now, it will serve as a learning stage in my life, ultimately making me wiser and stronger.

In conclusion, why do student athletes have a rough time showing time management? Having to fulfill 12 credit hours, compete in athletics and still mingle and be social with others, can add to the reason why time management is not shown by freshman athletes. Being that it is something new, they try their old approach which, most likely will fail. I have seen my old approach fail therefore I quickly look for answer and that’s the word “no”. Don’t be afraid to say no when a friend ask to hangout when you know you have school work, there are plenty more opportunities to hang and party. Hopefully some student athletes, experience this quickly so it is not to late, when they finally realize the key to making it as a college athlete.

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