The Transition of a High School Student-Athlete to College.

Is it really different?

NORTHRIDGE, CA - For many student-athletes, transitioning from high school to college can be quite the learning rollercoaster especially for athletes at California State University Northridge. From fitness.. to balancing academics., college athletes face far greater challenges than their high school counterparts once did.

Photo Credit: Paige Jones

For many student-athletes, transitioning from high school to college can be quite the learning rollercoaster especially for athletes at California State University Northridge. From fitness.. to balancing academics., college athletes face far greater challenges than their high school counterparts once did.

CSUN'S Women's Basketball Guard, Macy Smith, committed to the Division I program her senior year of high school.

Being a college freshman athlete currently, she now knows how they differ.

Transitioning into college, the level of play and competition is bound to be way higher. For Smith, "practice and training in college is a lot more intense, practices are longer and it's different because everyone in college is just as good as you."

One of the many unexpected challenges that come with transitioning from a student-athlete in high school to college is the time commitment to their sports.

Student-athletes in college spend majority of their experience dedicated to their sport, however, athletes must have that same dedication when it comes to their schoolwork and that can be challenging.

Freshman CSUN Women's Soccer Midfielder, Angelica Clairborne mentions that her time management in school is "the most challenging" obstacle being a college student-athlete compared to being in high school.

She mentions how being on the road when traveling and keeping on top of schoolwork " is very hard to manage" and is something she is still working on now.

For most collegiate athletes, succeeding in the classroom is just as important as succeeding in the sport they play.

Athletes are given many outlets to help them not get overwhelmed and make managing schoolwork easier, something that Smith says high school did not.

"I think that I have a lot more academic supporting college because we have a lot of tutoring options and a academic advisor who is very helpful, "Smith states.

Collegiate athletes are also given study hall that is mandatory that allows them time for tutoring as well as getting homework done. Many of athletes coaches are always encouraging about grades.

Photo Credit: Paige Jones

Smith and Clairborne said their transition to college has given them new challenges as student athletes., Still, both say they are grateful for their positions on the teams and look forward to playing and studying midterms.

Video Credit: Angel Frank

By: Paige Jones

Contributions from Angel Frank

Photos from The Harris Sisters

Photos from Paige Jones

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