Tomorrow, thousands of young women will report for the official start of their college soccer preseason, many for the first time. Here are my top pieces of advise for Freshmen:
Make a big effort to get to know the upperclassmen. They are not as intimidating as it seems. Some will become your best friends, and they’re the only ones who can relate to what you are going through
Try to minimize your stress over fitness tests. If you followed packet and put in the work over summer, you will pass. The mental piece can work against you. If you didn’t come in fit, it’s too late, and you will learn that lesson the hard way and put in more effort next summer.
Your coaches are human, and will make mistakes. Their chief objective is to win games and will play the players they feel will give them the best chance. Playing time decisions are not personal.
You will have plenty of days you feel you aren’t good enough, not smart enough, don’t belong…..that is part of the rollercoaster of freshmen year, and those will the mental fortitude to cope and persevere end up being the most successful.
Most of you have never shared a bedroom with anyone in your life, much less having it be your entire living space. Talk to your roommate on day 1 about habits, cleanliness. Set rules for yourselves especially visitors. Communicate constantly, and know you will have to make concessions.
Preseason is NOT the time to be worried about dieting to any degree! You may be burning 4-5k calories a day and fueling is critical to performing. Caloric intake must be increased during this time. Be mindful of how you are fueling and use 80/20 rule.
Hydration and electrolytes are also an absolute MUST. Supplement water with hydration packets. The best electrolyte of all? SALT, especially Celtic Salt which we keep in Locker room.
The best way you can contribute to your team and be the best teammate is finding your role. It takes an entire team to win, but only 11 can be on the field. Instead of being negative about not playing, find your way to contribute to team. Some of our best leaders have been players who weren’t starters. There are so many ways to contribute to the team’s success
It will be hard in the fall which is a lot of soccer, but ultimately immerse yourself in the college experience! There are so many people to meet, and things to do. Make an impact on your campus! Soccer will play a huge part of your journey but it’s not the whole journey, so prioritize your non-soccer existence.
GO MAKE IT THE BEST FOUR YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. It’s all about PERSPECTIVE and controlling what you can. YOU DON’T HAVE TO, YOU GET TO!
3..2…1…Letssss Gooooooo!
#NCAASoccer #Preseason #WeGetTo
@WMTribeWSOC @ShacksTribe