What I Wish I Knew Before my Student-Athlete Journey
Advice from a D1 Swimmer for International Student-Athletes
Helena Robla, Division I swimmer and journalism student at Northern Arizona University, shares the lessons she learned over the past four years. Whether you’re prepping for your 大学体育 journey or already living it, her insights might save you some headaches (and maybe even make your experience a little smoother).
Last month I had my last college dual meet. It feels unreal to think that it has been almost four years since I first came to the United States. I have learned a lot since then, and although this is part of the journey, there are a few things I would tell my younger self if I had the chance. Here are some things I wish I had known before starting my college journey.
Make connections with athletes from other sports
It’s easy to stick with your own team, but branching out and making friends with athletes from other sports can be incredibly beneficial. They understand the demands of being a student-athlete, but they come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Interacting with athletes outside of your sport can help you see challenges from a new angle, learn different approaches to training and time management, and even form friendships that extend beyond athletics. The student-athlete community is tight-knit, and you may be surprised at how much you can learn from those who compete in completely different disciplines. You’ll also make some great friends!
Be honest with your coaches
Your coaches are there to guide and support you, but the most important thing to remember is that no one knows you better than you do. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it has to do with training, recovery needs, or mental well-being—let them know. Communication 是 key 在 any 运动员-coach relationship, ，以及 being open 关于 你的 struggles or concerns will 救命 them tailor their guidance 至 fit 你的 需求. Coaches appreciate honesty 和 effort, ，以及 他们 want 你 至 succeed just as much as 你 do. Trust and respect their experience but 也 trust yourself.
Build relationships with your professors
It may seem intimidating at first, 但是 getting 至 know 你的 professors can make a big difference 在 你的 学术 experience. Introduce yourself on 这 first day of class 和 let them know 那个 你 are a 学生运动员 – and 那个 你 是 from another country. Not only will this 救命 them understand 你的 situation, 但是 it will 也 make it easier 至 communicate if 你 ever need 至 miss class due 至 competition or training. Even if 你的 campus seems huge, chances are 你 will have 这 same professors 为 more than one class. Building a good relationship early on can lead 至 more engaging class discussions, better 学术 support, ，以及 even potential mentorship. You never know 什么时候 你 might need a letter of recommendation, 职业 advice, or guidance beyond 这 classroom.
Use the resources on campus
They 是 there 为 a reason! Whether it’s tutoring centers, writing labs, 学术 advisors, or mental health services, there 是 so much support available 至 救命 你 succeed. As a 学生运动员, balancing 田径 和 academics can be overwhelming, ，以及 taking advantage of these resources can 救命 ease 这 burden. Many campuses 也 提供 specialized support 为 国际 学生, including cultural organizations, language assistance, ，以及 networking opportunities. Finding a community 哪里 你 feel understood 和 supported can make 这 transition 至 大学 life much smoother.
Ask for help
Being a student is challenging. Being an athlete adds another layer of difficulty. Being away from home can make it even harder. There will be times when it feels overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people who are willing to help you with anything you might be going through, big or small –teammates, coaches, advisors, friends, professors– but they won’t know you need help unless you ask. Whether you’re struggling with homesickness, academics, mental health, or balancing responsibilities, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re surrounded by people who care about you and want to see you succeed, so don’t hesitate to lean on them when you need to.
Being a student-athlete in college will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine. The lessons you learn will stay with you long after your last competition. Enjoy the ride, because it goes by faster than you think!
Do you want to get a sports scholarship at an American university? Keystone Sports will help you make your college athlete dreams a reality. Complete our free assessment form and we’ll get back to you!
分享这篇文章
更多相关文章
“My tennis showcase experience”
Are you dreaming of playing tennis in the US and obtaining a tennis scholarship? Attending a college showcase is an excellent step on the way! Read about graduated tennis student-athlete Jasmin Hauska’s firsthand experience of attending Keystone Sports’ tennis showcase.
Top Questions to Ask a College Coach During the Recruiting Process
One important step on the journey towards a sports scholarship is meeting with coaches who are interested in recruiting you for their college teams. But what are some good questions to ask during these meetings?
How to make a highlight video
Learn how to create a standout sports highlight video that catches the attention of US college coaches. Get tips from Keystone Sports ambassador Olivia, who secured a soccer scholarship and now studies and plays college soccer in Virginia.
English 
简体中文 
日本語 
