Sports Column: Transition from High School Athletics to College Athletics

Graphic by Grayson Morris

The transition from high school to college is challenging, no matter who you are, but for athletes, that transition can come with different obstacles. Two different Meredith athletes, Madelynn Maday ‘29, and Izzy Stafford ‘29, shared with The Herald what this transition has been like for them.

 Stafford is a part of the soccer team here at Meredith. She said that this transition “has been easier than [she] expected” because “being an athlete helps keep [her] focused and helps [her] time management.” This is especially pertinent as she has a limited amount of free time following the increase in intensity of practices. Another thing she mentioned that has helped her through this transition period was moving in early for pre-season. Stafford shared that this helped her get adjusted to living in the dorm and having practices before classes started. She stated: “The most challenging thing for me has been waking up early for practice, but I think it is helpful because it helps me get my day started.” Stafford also says “[she] is super excited to be a student athlete at Meredith and it has been a lot of fun!”

Similarly, Maday started her transition from high school athletics to college athletics this fall. Maday plays on the lacrosse team and spoke of the many challenges this transition has brought her. She said that this “transition has definitely been harder than expected. [She] had to learn to adjust to the increase in expectations and truly learn how to manage [her] time best.” Finding a way to give time for her athletics, academics and social needs without neglecting any of them has been her biggest challenge during this time. However, she mentioned how each day she is feeling much more confident about college life, especially with support from the people in her life who remind her that she can get through these challenges and find a balance. She stated: “I encourage everyone who is willing to put in the time and work to do it. I’m only a month in but I’m already grateful for the experience.” 

Going from high school to college is exceptionally challenging for anyone, but especially for athletes. Even then, nobody's transition will look the same. While the transition from high school athletics to college athletics looks very different for Stafford and Maday, they are both beginning to find a balance between athletics, academics and socialization that works for them. As Maday put it: “Each day I get better at balancing the three.” 

By Ella Sabroski, Contributing Writer