By Melissa Wallace '11

Making the transition into college can be rough –tough schedules, balancing school work, living on your own. But for athletes, that transition can be even more difficult. Demanding practice schedules, meets or games nearly every weekend, and balancing schoolwork can catch rookie student-athletes off guard. 

“Everyone expects you to be at the top of your game all the time so it's imperative that you're focused 100% of the time,” said sophomore Eric Lewis (Wantagh, NY/W.C. Mepham) a pitcher on the baseball team who now has over a year at TCNJ under his belt. “Balancing academics with athletics is much harder in college than in high school because both practices and classes are longer and more in depth.” 

The College of New Jersey's baseball team, for example, has over 40 games throughout their season. They practice on non-game days, and if a player wants to earn or maintain their spot in the starting line-up, will often need to take extra batting practice, work on their pitching delivery, or spend hours in the weight room. A schedule as much might seem overwhelming for a freshman entering into the program. Add to that managing the strict academics at the College, and it's a nervous breakdown just waiting to happen. 

According to Lewis, a hectic schedule just takes time getting used to. He maintains the belief that the key to balancing the academics and a varsity sports' schedule is being able to manage time effectively. Lewis says that as long as you keep your priorities in check and follow a carefully planned schedule, there is no endeavor that can't be achieved. 

“It forces me to be organized and have my days planned out so I know exactly when I have time to study and when I have time for fun,” says Lewis. “Baseball also helps relieve a lot of stress. When classes get tough and I begin to stress out about grades, baseball has always been a way for me to relax and have fun with my teammates.” 

Like the baseball team, the men's and women's swim teams at the College also have a demanding schedule. The women's team practices at seven in the morning, with two hours of swimming and then an hour of running or lifting following that. The men's team practices in the afternoon. Again, the team has a three hour workout –two hours of swimming, and then either a strict lifting program or a yoga program added to their practice regimen. Both teams have the longest season out of any team at the College –lasting close to six months of the entire school year with meets almost every weekend. 

This past season both teams proved to be two of the top teams at the College and on a national level. With that comes more intensified workouts, and a second season … the post-season, which extends the grind several weeks longer. 

Freshman Kayleigh Shangle (Highland Park, NJ/Highland Park) capped off her triumphant freshman year as an All-American for the College in the 100 breaststroke and in the 200 freestyle and 200 medley relays. She says that her success is, like Lewis, all about time management and getting priorities straight. 

“Because of having to make so much time for practice, meets, and everything else, I always kept to my schedule and made sure to get everything done ahead of time,” Shangle explains. 

With her inaugural season behind her, Shangle believes she'll be better prepared next season since she'll know what to expect in terms how to manage her time. At the same time, she knows that next year is going to be just as tough with grander expectations in the pool. 

“I have goals set that I want to meet and making them happen will bring more challenges for the coming year,” says Shangle. “I like having that challenge though.” 

It's a good thing. Like it or not, being a student-athlete at TCNJ is a constant challenge. But challenge is often what brings out the best in those who are driven.