Brooke Edwards is a typical college student.
The freshman has four classes a week, a lot of homework and midterms.
But she also practices three hours a day with her field hockey teammates and attends other team-related functions throughout the week.
In the beginning
I was so stressed Edwards said. I'd go to class and I got the syllabus and I'd feel like I had so much work to do. It was hard to find time to do all of it.
Sophomore Meredith Hurst said the time constraints can become overwhelming.
It's actually a lot right now
said Hurst, who is taking 12 credit hours this quarter. Three classes isn't bad
but when you have everything else
it gets to be a lot. But it keeps me on track.
On some days, the players start their day much like any other student. They get up at 8 a.m., or whenever their first class is, and stay out until practice ends at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, however, players start their day at 7:30 a.m. with a weightlifting session.
The players are also expected to meet with a coach once a week for individual drills.
Sometimes
I'll get up earlier and study
said Edwards. It's hard to get in a lot of study time with practices
games and everything.
Hurst added that she felt balancing her schedule has been a little easier in her second year as a student-athlete.
Time management is such a big thing
she said. Being in season
it's more disciplined because you know what you have going and not much flexible time.
Practice isn't always the end of the day, either.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Edwards said she still has another class to attend. Hurst said she also has class after practice two days a week.
There are still plenty of other responsibilities to take care of before the end of the day.
The freshman class, which totals four players, meets at study tables with graduate assistant coach Gracie Sorbello.
Athletes are also required to spend six hours in study tables at Peden Stadium every week. Each meets with one of the coaches to discuss academics.
Macmillan, making sure to note that the athletes are students first, said the staff treats the sport as an addition to the academic schedule.
(Field hockey) is an additional class for them
