For high school athletes dreaming of competing at the collegiate level, life as a college athlete is a mix of structure, dedication, and balance. To help you better understand what lies ahead, let’s break down a typical day in the life of a college athlete through the lens of the preseason, in-season, and off-season periods.
Preseason: Laying the Foundation
Preseason is the intense preparation period before your official season begins. When preseason occurs depends largely on the season your sport takes place in. For fall sports, preseason typically kicks off in August, just before the school year begins. Winter sports may begin in October or November, while spring sports often start their preseason in January.
During preseason, your schedule is built around training. Teams usually practice multiple times a day, including strength and conditioning sessions, technical drills, and scrimmages. A typical preseason day might begin with an early-morning workout, followed by a mid-morning team practice. Afternoons are often reserved for video review, team meetings, or individual work on your skills. Evenings may bring a second practice or recovery sessions like stretching and ice baths. Preseason is grueling, but it’s also the time to build chemistry with your teammates and lay the groundwork for a successful season.
In-Season: The Balancing Act
When the season kicks off, life as a college athlete becomes a delicate dance between academics, athletics, and personal time. Your schedule is tightly packed, leaving little room for procrastination or disorganization. Practices, classes, games, and travel dominate your days, and learning to prioritize effectively is the key to thriving. Below is an example of what a typical in-season day might look like, giving you a glimpse of the rhythm you can expect.
6:00 a.m. – Wake Up
Start your day early, especially if you have morning practice. Grab a quick breakfast like a protein bar, smoothie, or banana to fuel up before hitting the field or court.
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. – Practice
Your team’s morning practice is the cornerstone of your day. Expect to focus on drills, scrimmages, and technical skills. This is where the groundwork for game-day performance is laid.
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. – Shower & Recovery
After practice, take time to shower and begin recovery. Depending on your sport, this could include stretching, icing, or foam rolling to keep your body ready for the next session.
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Morning Classes
Head to your first class of the day. Sitting through lectures might feel tough after a hard practice, but staying on top of academics is non-negotiable.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
Hit the dining hall for a balanced meal. Prioritize proteins, carbs, and veggies to refuel for the rest of your day.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Classes
Afternoons might bring another set of classes. Use this time to focus and ask questions—professors will appreciate your effort, especially if you’ve communicated about potential absences due to games.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. – Strength Training
Many teams schedule strength training in the afternoon. This session helps you build and maintain the power and endurance you’ll need for peak performance.
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. – Study or Homework Time
After lifting, head to a quiet spot on campus or your dorm to tackle assignments. Staying on top of homework is crucial, especially when you know travel days are ahead.
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. – Dinner with Teammates
Dinner isn’t just about food—it’s also a time to bond with your teammates. Sharing meals helps build the camaraderie you’ll rely on during games.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Relax or Additional Homework
Depending on your workload, spend your evening either unwinding or catching up on assignments. Use this time to recharge mentally and physically.
9:30 p.m. – Lights Out
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Recovery starts with quality rest, and your body will thank you during tomorrow’s practice or game.
Travel for away games can add another layer of complexity. You might leave campus for an entire weekend, and this often means missing classes. While some athletic departments communicate directly with professors about your absences, it’s a good idea to email your professors yourself. Let them know in advance when you’ll be traveling, and follow up during the week of the game to confirm arrangements for missed assignments or exams.
Off-Season: Preparing for the Next Chapter
When your competitive season ends, the off-season begins. This doesn’t mean taking a break, though—it’s a time for recovery, development, and preparation for the next preseason.
Most teams will provide you with a fitness and technical packet to complete during the off-season. This includes specific workouts, drills, and sometimes even nutritional guidance. Completing these tasks is critical because preseason typically begins with fitness and technical testing, and meeting or exceeding the standards can set the tone for your entire season. The off-season is also a time to focus on academics, pursue internships, or explore other interests outside of sports.
Being a college athlete is demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Each phase of the year—preseason, in-season, and off-season—comes with its own challenges and opportunities. If you’re a high school athlete aspiring to play at the next level, start preparing now by developing good habits, mastering time management, and embracing the dedication required to excel both on and off the field.
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