On the outside it’s this beautiful pre-planned life; you’re going to college (kind of) for free, you’re in shape, and have instant friends. But, then the dirty secrets start to unravel. As a college athlete myself, there are relatable ugly truths most experience that I’mi’ve experienced and am going to share:

 1.  You Feel Unstoppable

Depending on if you’re fresh out of high school or transferring, you’re most likely thinking that you’re the shit. You’ve gotten a full ride to a university for a sport you love to play, so why think otherwise? Well, newsflash, you are one out of 30 plus on a team who deserved it just like you did. If that didn’t just hit you like a bucket of cold water then just wait because we’ve all been there, unfortunately. It’s natural to feel though, it grounds you, in a weird ironic way.

2.  You Have a Weird Vendetta for People in Your Position

It may be the fact that you’re trying to show you deserve that starting position no matter what it takes. In the beginning you two probably have daggers out for one another, but trust me a month into season you’ll   both laugh about it and become best friends. I’m still not even sure why we feel this way- it must be human nature.

3. Seven in The Morning Is Considered Sleeping In

Oh the lovely 5:30 a.m. conditioning and lift. Boy, would I love to meet the person who thought waking up before the birds started to even chirp and work out while being half asleep was a good idea for college students. Who cares if we’re students and have been up all night writing a 10-page paper that’s due at 8 a.m. the next morning (or drinking with friends), but no excuses, right? Although, you get that text from your coach saying, “no morning conditioning” it’s as if the athletic gods have answered all your prayers. Hallelujah!

4. You’ve Mastered The 15-Hour Bus Ride

Bus rides are a time you get to know each other. Everyone is laughing, playing games, and genuinely enjoying the time spent with one another- until reality slaps you in the face, hard. You’ve been on the bus for five hours now and people are becoming antsy, irritated, hungry, and sleepy- possibly the worst combination  you could imagine.

Thankfully you’re used to this by now and you’re equipped with a pillow, blanket, backpack full of snacks, and last but definitely not least, a charged phone with headphones. It’s all about the necessities first and foremost.

5. Your Team Is Your Second Family

You’ve all overcome the awkward encounter in the beginning and now you can’t even fathom being apart. You’ve cried together, laughed together, gotten upset at one another, but no matter the circumstance you’ve become a family. As Lilo and Stitch say, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”. They might not be blood related but the memories and experiences that are shared make you know they’ll be apart of you forever.