College sports realignment: How travel impacts student-athletes

For over more than a year now, the world of college sports has been swept up by multiple waves of "conference realignment", a phrase that has become synonymous with change, opportunity, and yes, a fair amount of chaos. While the media spotlight tends to focus on the financial and strategic motivations behind these changes, there's a critical component that gets overshadowed: the well-being of student-athletes in the changing world of college sports.

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Front Office Sports' Amanda Christovich highlights some of the important questions that remain to be answered when it comes to how non-football and basketball athletes (e.g. "Olympic Sports" athletes) will fare in conferences whose teams span from coast to coast.

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The reality is that college realignment provides a good reminder for how college student-athletes at every level — and in every sport — can make sure they're mindful year around of their physical health, academic achievement, and mental well-being. And while the FOS article highlights transcontinental travel as a major risk, the reality is that travel for all college student-athletes creates a foundational challenge that can ripple into various aspects of your life, from your physical condition to your classroom performance and mental state.

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Physical health

Travel can be exhausting, even when it doesn't feel it. The long hours, the cramped seats, and the disruption to your regular living and training schedule can all take a toll on your physical health. It's not just about staying fit; it's about holistic health. Pay attention to how you're feeling during and after road trips. Consult with your athletic trainers to develop a regimen that prioritizes nutrition and hydration, and be sure to let your coach know if you're struggling physically. Getting the rest and recovery reps you need is oftentimes more important than the next practice session or workout.

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Academic achievement

You're not just an athlete; you're a student-athlete. The "student" part becomes much more challenging during the semester (or semesters) when your sport is in-season. Missing classes, group assignments, and deadlines can quickly snowball into academic stress, and it's not a guarantee that every one of your professors will be accommodating to you as a student-athlete. This is why it's critical that you communicate with your professors and academic advisors. Explore flexible learning solutions like online courses and plan out when you'll have downtime on the road to make sure you know when you'll be able to get in your studying.

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Mental well-being

The mental toll of travel can easily be overlooked, especially when you consider the dual combination of academic and athletic pressures. Mental resilience is not just about coping; it's about thriving despite these stresses. What can you do to make sure you prioritize mental well-being during the season?

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First, make sure you know that you have people and resources you can reach out to if you feel the need to do so. These people can be your coaches, family members, teammates, and college advisors, and this can certainly include meeting with a trained mental health professional when this level of support would be most helpful. In addition to connecting with people who can help you maintain your mental wellness, you might also engage in mindfulness practices (like meditation) to help you find balance when traveling adds to the load you're carrying as a student-athlete.