If you think being a college athlete is just practice and games… it’s not.
Here’s what a normal day in my life at Fairleigh Dickinson University as a Division I Student Athlete actually looks like.

6:00 Wake Up

Mornings are tough, but essential for a Division I athlete. My alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., and I try to get moving as quickly as possible. I have back-to-back sessions so every minute counts when you’re juggling lacrosse, classes, and life as a student-athlete.

6:45-7:30 Film/Scout

As a midfielder, I go to both offense and defense film and scout. This is where we learn the game plan and break down our opponent before practice even starts.

7:30-9:30 Practice

Practice is where all the preparation comes to life. During these two hours, we go full speed working on everything from stick skills and passing accuracy to defensive and offensive drills. We also focus on transitions and teamwork, making sure everyone knows their role on the field. 

10:00-11:00 Film/Scout

Right after practice, it’s time for the weight room. Strength and conditioning are a huge part of staying competitive in Division I lacrosse. Lifting helps me:

• Increase speed and power
• Prevent injuries
• Stay strong for long games

Even when I’m tired, this hour is so important for my performance on the field.

11:30-2:15 Class

After lifting, I go straight to class. I usually grab a quick protein bar, a banana and make a coffee to keep me fueled. Being a student-athlete means academics always come first. Some of my classes are in person, where I attend lectures and take notes, while others are online, which gives me a little flexibility to complete assignments or review material between practice and meetings. Balancing school with practice, travel, and online work takes discipline, but it’s all part of life as a Division I student-athlete.

3:00-4:30 Recovery

Once my classes are done and I have done all my work, it’s back to recovery. I usually start with treatment sessions to take care of sore muscles and help my body recover from practice and lifting. After that, I spend time on individual skill work and improve on my performance on the field. Recovery is just as important as practice because it keeps me healthy, prevents injuries, and ensures I’m ready to give my best in every game and practice throughout the season.

4:30-6:00 Me Time

After recovery, I take some time to reset. This usually starts with lunch to refuel my body, followed by a shower to wash off the day’s practice and feel refreshed. I also use this time to clean and organize my room, which helps me clear my mind and stay focused, it gives me a mental break, helps me stay organized, and makes it easier to transition into homework, studying, or internship work later.

6:00-7:30 Internship

Evenings are sometimes spent on my internship. I check emails, create content, or work on my social media internship work. This is an important part of preparing for life after college while still competing at a high level in lacrosse.

7:30-9:00 Bedtime

Finally, I take some time for myself. I usually start with dinner, after eating, I focus on self-care, maybe a shower, skincare, or just winding down with some quiet time. Sometimes I nap, scroll social media, read, or catch up on a show. Taking this time to relax and recharge after a long day of practice, academics, and internship work helps me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next day with focus and plenty of energy

Being a Division I athlete means long days, early mornings, and nonstop effort, but it’s also rewarding. This lifestyle has taught me discipline, time management, resilience, and how to balance multiple priorities, on the field, in the classroom, and in my daily life!