By: Reece Sylvester
For some, the transition from high school to college can be challenging; for others, it feels like another typical school day. There is no doubt that the difficulty in this adjustment can take a toll on student-athletes, as perfecting the balance between academic responsibilities and the intensity of Division I training schedules is not easy.
Freshman football player Tyree Roberson is a student-athlete who recently enrolled early at the University of the Incarnate Word. Roberson explained how preparation ahead of time played a key role in his transition to college.
“The transition was easy because I feel like I’ve been ready to go to college, and with me graduating early, I was already mentally prepared,” Roberson said.
Roberson also adds his perspectives on personal responsibilities as a college student and how his teammates keep each other afloat through each semester.
“The biggest difference is probably the professors and how the class is run, they don’t chase you to turn in your work in college, and you have to be more mature with your work,” Roberson said. “I feel I’m adapting pretty well because my teammates have been helping me and showing me the ropes.”
Typically, athletes’ biggest concern is being able to keep up with the physical demands of lifting multiple times a week, practicing every day and performing at 100% on game days to keep up with the team’s high expectations.
Roberson described the jump to college-level workouts as more intense but manageable with the help of the team’s mindset.
“The whole team is bought in, so it motivates you to go harder and do the extra work,” Roberson said.
Roberson’s experience demonstrates how preparation, accountability, and team support can ease the transition from high school to college for student athletes. It is not always the easiest chapter to start, but knowing you have a support system along the way can make all the difference.
