Life as a student-athlete is both demanding and rewarding. It comes with unique challenges you won’t encounter anywhere else, but overall, it’s the most fulfilling and enjoyable part of my college experience. Balancing class schedules, practices, and maintaining relationships can be tough, but it also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth. My time at Spring Arbor University as a student-athlete on the golf team has taught me so much that I want to share with you.

Friendships

One of the biggest highlights for me has been the relationships I’ve built with my teammates and the lifelong friendships that have come from it. Spending time with my teammates and sharing both the highs and the struggles of being a student-athlete has strengthened those bonds. Some of my favorite memories are from bus rides to tournaments and hanging out in hotel rooms. Those simple moments on the road have created lasting connections with them that I would not have otherwise experienced.

Support System

Beyond friendship, teammates become a strong support system. They understand the challenges because they’re going through them too, which makes their encouragement and support even more meaningful. Knowing I can rely on my teammates not only as friends but also as my support system has made getting through college so much easier. Meeting some of my closest friends through athletics is something I’ll always be grateful for during my time at SAU.

Schedule

The most challenging part of being a student-athlete at Spring Arbor has been managing classwork alongside practices and travel. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like there isn’t enough time to stay on top of both. Learning to plan ahead and stick to a structured schedule has made a big difference for me. Setting aside specific hours each day to focus on schoolwork and staying ahead of assignments especially when I know we’ll be traveling has helped me manage my time better and reduce stress. 

Time Management

Staying organized and proactive has allowed me to keep up with my coursework and feel more balanced overall. Time management is the most important life skill that I’ve been able to develop over my time as an athlete. Between practice, competition, and school, it can be hard to find the right balance, but I have learned to manage my time much more effectively because of my time as a student athlete. I've learned a lot about the importance of balancing many different responsibilities at once, throughout my time here.  

Conclusion

Overall, I am so thankful for my experience at Spring Arbor University as a student-athlete.  I have built lasting friendships with my teammates and learned so much from my time here!

 

Written by SAU Marketing student Blaze Tanner.