Starting off the Semester Strong

Photo Courtesy: Cecilia Zaccarelli

By Olivia Wile, Swimming World College Intern.

Being a collegiate athlete at any capacity comes with many privileges; however, it also poses its challenges. Despite countless practices, competitions and everything else in between, it is important for these athletes to be on their game both in and out of the classroom.

For college swimmers, the month of January can be a hectic one. After a month or so of focusing on training, dual meet season seems to pick back up again – and so does school. With many conference championship and national meets just around the corner, it’s important for these athletes to use the beginning of the spring semester to set themselves up for success. Here are some ways to start off the semester on the right foot.

Introduce yourself to your professors.

michael-phelps-mesa-2016-handshake-coach-finals-cool-down — Photo Courtesy: Kara Sekenski

This is sometimes a hard one, especially in large lecture classes of three hundred or more students. Despite this, it is important for college swimmers to get to know their professors and establish a good relationship with them. With such a rigorous practice and competition schedule, it is important for athletes to have a positive relationship with their professors in order to receive help when needed.

Within the first week of class or so, go up and introduce yourself to your. Try stating your name, grade and major, then voice to your professor why you may need a little help along the way as a student-athlete. Be sure to be polite and maintain eye contact. This may all seem very nerve-wracking at first but will surely pay off in the long run.

Communicate with your professors.

books-studying-college — Photo Courtesy: pixabay.com

No one appreciates when changes are sprung on them at the last minute, and college professors are no different. Many swimmers receive a tentative meet schedule at the beginning of their seasons, while some may have even receive a travel excuse form. It is very important to share this with professors and communicate in advance when you will be missing class for meets.

This allows them time to process the information and ask any questions they may have. It also enables you to request any work you may be missing. Because academics in college are much more advanced than high school, some professors might direct you to a classmate to find the work you will be missing. Though some may provide you with notes or homework ahead of time, communicating early enough will help you plan for either scenario.

Get help from your professors.

UH Swimmer Studying — Photo Courtesy: Matt Holland

Office hours are established for a reason: for students to get help when they need to. The same goes for college swimmers. No one will look down on you for needing additional help in the classroom. In fact, coaches and teammates alike should commend you for taking the measures you need to succeed. After all, student comes before athlete, right?

As the end of the season is a very busy time, it can be easy to push academics to the side. Though you should try to not let this happen, there are resources to help you out. E-mailing or visiting professors during office hours is never a bad place to start. At large universities, open office hour times may be more difficult to come by. If this is the case, email your professor and ask to set up a time that works for the both of you.

Many universities even offer tutoring services. This could be another helpful resource to swimmers struggling to balance everything during the last month of the season or even those who just need some additional help.

Overall, with the beginning of a new spring semester comes the chance to succeed both in the pool and in the classroom.

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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