This is an example of a day in the life of a student-athlete attending one of America’s leading academic and sporting institutions, Oakland University.

“My name is Chris Edwards and I am a senior who plays soccer for Oakland University, or should I rephrase that to say I used to play soccer for Oakland University.  The fall was my last season and it definitely upsets me to think my days of being a student-athlete are over.  However, as my college career has come to an end my new career as a professional player begins.

I’d like to spend a few minutes describing a typical day in the shoes of a student-athlete:

05:45

The alarm rings.  It buzzes and buzzes and does not stop.  Although I am just now hearing it, I know it has been going off for at least a whole minute.  I open my eyes, sit up, and turn it off.  Barely awake, I perform my daily morning rituals, change into running clothes and get in the car.  The clock reads 5:45am as I drive in the dark and freezing cold to training.  I make my way to the Stadium, where my destiny awaits.  My team-mates meet me inside.  My coaches arrive just a minute before the worst begins.  I still havn’t spoken.  I just run, run, and run until it all ends.

07:08

I’m back in the car: and the clock reads 7:08am.  I drive home, shower, eat, and change into the typical student-athlete uniform: sweatpants and our black Adidas fleece.  I walk to campus for an 8am class.  I sit at the front, focus and learn.  I realize the importance of my education and I know why I am here.  I try to speak with each professor before or after class to build a bond with them.  I want their support and their understanding.  The classes go well and they end at 12:30.

13:46

I walk home, eat lunch and start some studying for an exam tomorrow.  After studying, it is time for practice.  I get in the car again at 13:46 and drive back to the soccer stadium.  I give my best effort as I want to win, and we want to be Grizzly Pride.  After training I spend some time in the Sports Medicine Centre getting a massage, and then the team meet up with the Sports Psychologist to run through this week’s games.

16:43

Practice is over and I drive to Memorial Stadium, walk to the weight room and get to work.  I’m ready for dinner, so I lift efficiently.  my coach and I discuss my calorie intake for the rest of the week.

I need to gain more power and strength, so a nutritional package is put together for me.  Once lifting is over, my team-mates and I walk across the football field.  It is dinner time.  We eat, have a laugh, and spend time with the other athletes.

18:29

I get back to the house, shower, change and start studying.  My mum calls from home and fills me in on what has been happening with friends and family.  I have been away for so long now that I no longer miss home, but it’s great to catch up.  I know that I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime here at Oakland.

22:17

I get ready for bed.  I set the alarm and try and get some sleep.  After my exam tomorrow the team will meet at the Athletic Department before heading to the airport.  We have a couple of games in California and will be away for a week, so I need to make sure I have all of my course work with me.  Being a full-time athlete is tough enough, and being a full-time student at the same time is extra-challenging.

I wouldn’t change it for the world!“