GCSU, along with 44 other NCAA Division II teams, has received the NCAA Presidents Award in academic excellence. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Bobcats have received this award.
GCSU is also ranked No.1 among all NCAA Division II public schools in Academic Success Rates. This is a huge accomplishment for both GCSU and student-athletes.
Balancing a rigorous training schedule while excelling in your classes can be difficult, but student-athletes at GCSU have done it with ease.
“Balancing school and soccer can be difficult at times, especially with everything we do outside practice and games, ” said Chase Nelson, a junior business major. “Managing practice and game time actually isn’t the hardest thing to manage; it’s mostly having to go to the gym consistently along with meal prepping healthy options so we can perform our best.”
Juggling the demands of both academics and athletics can be an exhausting, high-pressure experience. For many student-athletes, the reality of balancing these two worlds leads to physical, mental and emotional stress.
GCSU athletes have reached an academic success rate of 92% with the help of professors, friends, family and, of course, the athletes themselves.
When it comes to the day-to-day life of student-athletes, finding a balance between academics and athletics is vital to maintaining this title. These athletes must plan their days around training their bodies for their sport and their mind for school.
“To prepare both my mind and body for the demands of school and soccer, I prioritize getting adequate rest and maintaining proper nutrition to support my physical and mental health,” said Aralyn Everett, a senior criminal justice major. “Staying healthy is essential, and I’ve found that I perform at my best when I’m well-rested and properly hydrated—this balance nurtures both my body and mind.”
“In addition, I take full advantage of the athletic training room and recovery resources available to keep my body in peak condition,” Everett said. “I also make a conscious effort to connect with family and friends and carve out time for myself, which helps maintain my mental stability.”
The most obvious and perhaps most overwhelming hardship for a student-athlete is managing their time. Academic schedules, practices, games and travel can leave little room for personal time, sleep or relaxation. A typical day for a student-athlete can start early and end late, often leaving only a few hours each day to complete homework, study for exams or engage in any social activities.
GCSU holds all students to a high standard, both academically and athletically. With these demands, student-athletes have risen to the occasion, but it does come with its challenges when trying to find the perfect medium.
“The hardest challenge when finding the balance between soccer and school is managing the time demands of both academics and sports, especially when training or game schedules overlap with class,” said Savannah Sause, a freshman nursing major. “Early on in my freshman year, I found how easy it was to communicate with my professors and coaches to figure out solutions and happy mediums between the two. It is apparent how much they want us to succeed.”
The remarkable achievements of GCSU’s student-athletes reflect the dedication and perseverance of these individuals.
While balancing the demands of academics and athletics is no easy task, GCSU athletes have consistently risen to the challenge, demonstrating not only athletic prowess but also academic excellence.
