Advice for Incoming Freshman

My advice for incoming freshmen across the country. As a student athlete, let your actions speak louder than your words! College coaches make a million promises during the recruiting process, understand it won’t be as easy for you as they’ve made it sound. There will be adjustments and tough times, but they brought you there for a reason and believe in you!
Some first-year tips for your first year on campus…
Embrace your team as your family: Whether you are moving across the country, crossing borders, or staying close to home, things are about to change. Treat your coaches like your parents away from home, they are there to support, encourage, and discipline you. Your team mates are your siblings, there is bound to be some sibling rivalry (expect that) but your team mates will be your support system as you adjust to this new life. Other than your family, coaches and teammates no one cares how you do.
At some point you will need help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek out support from your coaches or your teammates. There are tutors to help with classes, there are people to talk to if you are home sick. If you are having trouble adjusting, you are never alone. Seek out help when you are feeling swamped and let your community support you through the first few months. The home sickness will pass as you get more comfortable with your new schedule, and surroundings.
Time management will be the toughest obstacle when you arrive on campus. Between class, practice, homework, rodeos, study hall, travel and a social life, your time will be spread thin. You need to prioritize your tasks and have good time management skills in order to manage and enjoy it all.
Have a great attitude and enjoy the daily process, be someone that your teammates and coaches want to be around. Too many freshmen get frustrated and bitter too quickly over their struggles. This is a process, enjoy the ride. Your freshman year will be over quick! It’s not about how quickly you start your career, but what you are able to accomplish over your entire career. Have a great attitude while developing during your first year as a student athlete!
Understand there are opportunities to learn and improve every day! Practice is your biggest opportunity, take advantage of it. Every Single. Day
Film your practices and at rodeos, let it be a great reflection of your skills, speed and maturity. The film doesn’t lie. Watch it with your coaches, seek to improve through watching film.
Do the work that others won’t do. There are many ways to improve, but most of those involve hard work. Do the drills on the dummies that others won’t. Put in the work in the weight room that others aren’t willing to. Go to study hall when others go out.
Surround yourself with positive teammates. As a freshman with few friends, choose your circle carefully. The people you choose to surround yourself with will go a long way in determining your success in the classroom and in the arena. Keep your distance from those who don’t have the same goals and dreams as you.
Your college experience will be as good as you make it.