“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.”— Jerry Rice (HOF NFL WR)
Every year, thousands of high school athletes say they want to play in college. But how many truly understand the commitment it takes?
Before you make your decision, there’s one simple way to test your readiness: live like a college athlete for a day.
The Challenge: A College Athlete’s Daily Schedule
To get a realistic feel for the lifestyle, you’ll follow an actual daily schedule of a college athlete in your sport. Here’s how:
Step 1: Do Your Research
Find a typical daily schedule from a college team at your level (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO). Many schools post schedules online, or you can ask a current college athlete about their routine. A general schedule might look like this:
- 5:30 AM – Wake up & morning workout
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast & recovery
- 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Classes & studying
- 12:30 PM – Team meeting & film study
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Practice & strength training
- 6:00 PM – Dinner & recovery
- 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Homework, tutoring, or social time
- 10:00 PM – Bedtime (early morning starts again tomorrow!)
Step 2: Live It for a Day
Pick a day to follow the schedule as closely as possible. Wake up early, train hard, go to class, manage your time, and stay disciplined.
Step 3: Reflect on the Experience
At the end of the day, answer these questions:
- What was harder than expected?
- How did I manage my time and energy?
- Could I do this every day for four years?
- Do I love my sport enough to make these sacrifices?
Why This Matters
Playing in college isn’t just about talent—it’s about commitment, time management, and passion. This challenge will give you a real taste of the lifestyle and help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
So, are you ready? Try the challenge and see if your dream matches the reality. Make sure to send me a comment with what you learned from the experience.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to dive deeper into understanding motivation and personal growth, check out my book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes. It can be purchased through this link: https://coachmattrogers.com/book-significant-recruiting/.
Families and school administrators can also schedule a strategy session with me through this link: https://coachmattrogers.com/contact/#. Together, we can uncover what truly motivates you and help you achieve lasting success.
