Member-only story

Life Lessons Learned on the Field: Experiences of Two Non-Scholarship College Athletes

José Saramago

·18.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Walked On: Life Lessons From A Two Sport Non Scholarship College Athlete

5 min read

1.6k View Claps

90 Respond

Save

Listen

Two College Athletes Standing Together On A Sports Field, Looking Determined Walked On: Life Lessons From A Two Sport Non Scholarship College Athlete

Participating in college athletics can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and shaping life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field. While scholarship athletes often receive the most attention, non-scholarship athletes also navigate unique challenges and reap invaluable rewards from their athletic endeavors. This article delves into the experiences of two former non-scholarship college athletes, exploring the life lessons they learned and the impact their time on the field had on their personal and professional journeys.

Walked On: Life Lessons From A Two-Sport Non-Scholarship College Athlete

by Brian Kent

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	216 pages

The Journey of a Walk-On: Perseverance and Resilience

Meet John Smith, a former walk-on football player who earned his spot on the team through sheer determination and unwavering work ethic. Despite facing skepticism from coaches and teammates, John refused to give up on his dream. He trained relentlessly, often arriving at the practice field before sunrise and staying late into the evening. Through countless hours of grueling drills and intense competition, John proved his worth and became a valued member of the team.

John's journey as a walk-on taught him the importance of perseverance. He learned that success is not always handed to you on a silver platter; it requires hard work, dedication, and a belief in yourself. He also developed resilience, realizing that setbacks are an inevitable part of life, and the true measure of a person lies in their ability to bounce back from adversity.

Balancing Athletics and Academics: Time Management and Discipline

Meet Mary Johnson, a former varsity soccer player who balanced her athletic commitments with a rigorous academic schedule. As a non-scholarship athlete, Mary had to work part-time to cover her expenses, leaving her with limited time for studying and completing assignments. However, she refused to let her athletic pursuits interfere with her academic success.

Mary's experience taught her the value of time management and discipline. She learned to prioritize her responsibilities, setting aside specific time slots for studying, training, and work. She also developed strong self-discipline, enabling her to stay focused and motivated even when faced with numerous demands on her time.

The Value of Teamwork: Cooperation and Collaboration

Both John and Mary emphasized the importance of teamwork in college athletics. As non-scholarship athletes, they understood that their success was not only dependent on their own efforts but also on the support of their teammates. They learned to work together, communicate effectively, and rely on each other to achieve common goals.

Their experiences taught them the value of cooperation and collaboration, skills that have proven invaluable in their professional lives. They realized that success in any field requires the ability to work effectively with others, share perspectives, and contribute to a shared vision.

Leadership and Inspiration: Making a Difference

Despite not being scholarship athletes, John and Mary both emerged as leaders on their respective teams. Through their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes, they inspired their teammates to strive for greatness. They also became role models for younger athletes, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Their leadership experiences taught them the importance of making a positive impact on others. They learned that true leadership extends beyond titles and positions; it involves inspiring, motivating, and empowering those around you.

Life After College: Applying Lessons Learned

After graduating from college, John pursued a career in finance, while Mary became a teacher. Both of them credit their experiences as non-scholarship college athletes for shaping their personal and professional lives. They apply the lessons they learned on the field to their daily work, demonstrating perseverance, resilience, time management, teamwork, and leadership.

John attributes his success in the financial industry to the perseverance and unwavering work ethic he developed as a walk-on athlete. Mary, in her role as a teacher, draws upon her experiences in balancing athletics and academics to help her students develop time management skills and a strong work ethic.

The experiences of non-scholarship college athletes are a testament to the transformative power of sports. Through their journeys, they learn invaluable life lessons that shape their personal and professional development. They develop perseverance, resilience, time management, teamwork, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. These attributes serve them well both on and off the field, enabling them to achieve success in their chosen paths and make a positive impact on the world.

As John and Mary's stories demonstrate, non-scholarship athletes deserve recognition and admiration for their contributions to college athletics and beyond. Their determination, hard work, and commitment are an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Walked On: Life Lessons From A Two-Sport Non-Scholarship College Athlete

by Brian Kent

5 out of 5