The importance of work ethic goes without saying. We are all aware that success comes from putting in the necessary time and effort, and that could not be more true when it comes to athletics at the University of Guam. But many individuals are unaware that hard work does not end when you leave the gym or the playing field, especially when you are a student-athlete.
Behind-the-scenes labor is equally crucial. and here at the University, the coaches and staff focus on preparing student-athletes for their futures both mentally and physically. This article discusses the importance of behind-the-scenes labor for student-athletes during and after training.
How Do You Handle Class and Studying?
Student-athletes, like the rest of us, frequently wake up exhausted, but the most successful ones—like the Lady Triton’s Volleyball Team in this story— learned a few life lessons while attending the University of Guam.
They discovered that cultivating a dynamic mentality is the key to finding the “balance” that our culture obsesses over in terms of life, education, hobbies, and challenges.
Rebecca Salas, a middle blocker and outside hitter for the Lady Triton’s Volleyball Team, revealed how she achieves and maintains balance in her life.
“I focus on school when I am not on the court. On motivated days, I study before, between, and after my classes. When I know my coursework for the following week, I space out my work to allow myself free time for leisure activities like social media, shopping, and more volleyball,” said Salas.
How Do You Take Care of Yourself?
When you are a student-athlete, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of training and competition. But even though their training sessions are exhilarating, they still need to push themselves physically and mentally in preparation for times when they need to perform at their best.
If they want to succeed, practice isn’t something they should only do when it is convenient or expected of them; it needs to be a regular part of their routine.
One vital aspect of behind-the-scenes work is taking care of their bodies.
Georgette Mateo, a middle blocker for the Lady Triton’s Volleyball Team, gave us her take on how she incorporates external preparation alongside her required training sessions.
“I make a conscious choice to not indulge in unhealthy beverages or food, especially if I know that I’m going to be doing any training or workout. I make sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day and try to consume more electrolytes to keep myself hydrated,” Mateo said. “However, I feel that it’s important to have a healthy relationship with food and if I want to seek out a burger from Wendy’s or McDonald’s, I will not feel bad about it.”
At the End of the Day, Why is it Important to Enjoy the Behind-The-Scenes Process?
As a student-athlete, it is important to remember that success is not just about winning or achieving your goals. It is also about taking pride in every step while you are endeavoring behind-the-scenes and embracing the process. If you can enjoy the journey and the fruits of your labor then you will find fulfillment in being an athlete.