Texas Tech University Athletics
Player's Blog: Finding the Balance
March 16, 2017 | Softball
Written by sophomore outfielder Kiani Ramsey
An outsider looking in might think of how difficult it must be to travel and play every weekend in the midst of the spring semester. For me, balancing school and softball becomes a lot easier as you go through college.
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We have unlimited resources and so many people that are more than willing to help us student-athletes be successful. From athletic academic advisors to team study hall to student tutors, it's almost impossible to just completely fail.
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My favorite part about being a student-athlete is the fact that we have our own facility to get work done, the Marsha Sharp Center. Students in my classes always ask me how I balance school and softball and how I keep up with my grades. Honestly, it can be quite tough, but you really have to take it in stride.
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When I'm in class, I'm focused solely on the task at hand. Then, when I'm heading to the facility, softball mode begins and can be an outlet from the stresses of my classes. After practice, I can go back to working on my education. Being in the present and taking care of what's going on in front of me keeps me from being stressed. And in between class and softball, I nap…a lot.
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This weekend is our last tournament before conference starts. Any spring sport athlete can look at Spring Break as not being able to go to the beach or not being able to "have fun," but my team and I see it as a week free of schoolwork and an opportunity to refocus. Every day presents a new obstacle to overcome, and we are constantly challenged to get better within ourselves and as a team. We're working hard every day to sharpen our tools in preparation to shock everyone during conference. We just have to play our game and leave it all out on the field.
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We have unlimited resources and so many people that are more than willing to help us student-athletes be successful. From athletic academic advisors to team study hall to student tutors, it's almost impossible to just completely fail.
Â
My favorite part about being a student-athlete is the fact that we have our own facility to get work done, the Marsha Sharp Center. Students in my classes always ask me how I balance school and softball and how I keep up with my grades. Honestly, it can be quite tough, but you really have to take it in stride.
Â
When I'm in class, I'm focused solely on the task at hand. Then, when I'm heading to the facility, softball mode begins and can be an outlet from the stresses of my classes. After practice, I can go back to working on my education. Being in the present and taking care of what's going on in front of me keeps me from being stressed. And in between class and softball, I nap…a lot.
Â
This weekend is our last tournament before conference starts. Any spring sport athlete can look at Spring Break as not being able to go to the beach or not being able to "have fun," but my team and I see it as a week free of schoolwork and an opportunity to refocus. Every day presents a new obstacle to overcome, and we are constantly challenged to get better within ourselves and as a team. We're working hard every day to sharpen our tools in preparation to shock everyone during conference. We just have to play our game and leave it all out on the field.
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Highlights vs. UTSA
Tuesday, April 14
Highlights vs. Utah State
Monday, April 13
Highlights vs. Utah
Sunday, April 12
Highlights vs. Utah
Friday, April 10