BEING A FEMALE STUDENT-ATHLETE

By Rachael Cline

I am a woman. I am a field hockey player. I am a softball player. I am an elementary education major. I am a member of the student-athlete advisory committee. I am a student teacher. I am on the dean’s list. I am an NCAA Division III student-athlete. On any given day, this may seem like an overwhelming load to carry, but my passion for this life runs deep and keeps me coming back for more.

I spend my days working with elementary school students and my evenings on the field. I have been afforded the opportunity to student-teach while playing sports, and it has truly been a blessing for me. Not only has it taught me responsibility and time management, but it has helped me excel in all aspects of my life.

Being a student-athlete has helped me find the balance between academics, athletics and a social life. In season, time is more limited; therefore procrastination is not an option. Suddenly, as a student-athlete, my actions affect more than myself. An inspiring coach once said, “Everything you do affects the team.” Within this statement lies an eternity of truth. As I have found, being accountable to the team motivates me to work hard, on and off the field.

The desire to excel is not enough. It takes discipline. Discipline is a learned behavior and the foundation to any successful athletic team. This becomes evident off the field as well. When I have two hours between activities in which to complete assignments, I am capable of using my time wisely. In addition, through sports I have become confident and self-assured. These qualities also facilitate success in the classroom, as I am confident in my academic work.

Not only has being an athlete helped me focus on school, but also being a student has helped me become a better athlete. Everyday when I step foot on the field, I must focus on the task at hand. After a long day, practice provides me with an outlet to relieve stress while fine-tuning my skills. Frequently, practice is the one time of day where I can forget all other worries and just play.

I believe being a part of a team is the greatest benefit of a student-athlete. It is awesome learning firsthand that by yourself you are nothing, but as a team you can move mountains. This field hockey season, my team taught me the power of working as a unit and being there for each other. Knowing that a group of people care about you and will back you up no matter what the odds cannot be felt anywhere else. Knowing that you are playing each game for your team keeps your desire to succeed alive. Winning and losing together teaches you that there is more to life than the game itself.

As a senior, when my final season of competitive play is complete, I will be left with a void in my heart. I will be lost because losing your team is like losing a family. I strongly encourage anyone who has an opportunity to be a student-athlete to seize this chance. There will never be a better time in your life to learn and grow alongside people you love.

I am a student. I am an athlete. I am a member of the Wilson College Phoenix field hockey and softball teams. I am Rachael Cline.