One of the most difficult aspects of the college softball season is the timing in which it begins. With most programs beginning in February, many have to travel to warm climates in order to get games in.
Bradley is no exception to this disadvantage. This spring, the team will travel to Kissimmee, Florida, Memphis, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky over a time period of 19 days.
Being a student-athlete is difficult without all the travel, but when the season begins and week-long road trips become a reality, even more adjustments have to be made.
“You’re constantly on the go and have to make sure you stay on top of your schoolwork and stay in communication with your professors,” senior Maria Schroeder said. “There’s not many times during the weekends where you have time to do homework, so it’s crucial to work ahead and stay on top of things.”
The student-athletes are not the only people affected by the grueling travel schedule. The coaching staff has to commit to the grind, as well.
“I have an 8-year-old who is involved in a number of activities and sports, so I miss a lot,” head coach Amy Hayes said. “My wife has a demanding job that, like mine, is not 9-5. I never feel good about overloading her when I am out of town.”
Coaches and players alike cannot afford to be distracted by the things they miss at home if they want to perform at their best. However, they have to deal with that as well as the “jet-lag” that comes with the long bus rides or flights.
“The best way to stay sharp is to prepare ahead of time,” Schroeder said. “You need to make sure you’re taking care of your body by eating right, hydrating, and rolling out.”
Hayes agreed that preparing ahead of time is vital, but admitted that a positive mental attitude is just as important as diet and training.
“I harp on them… to be excited for the opportunity to do it all over again in a few days,” she said.
Looking forward to the tough aspects of travel isn’t ideal, but there are benefits. Schroeder said her time management skills have improved greatly since becoming a student-athlete, largely due to the amount of working ahead required to maintain focus on games when on the road.
Perhaps more important though are the memories and bonds that are built over the numerous travel hours.
“Most of my favorite memories with the team are from when we were traveling,” Schroeder said. “There’s so many fun moments on the bus or at the airport and after I’m done playing, those moments are the ones I’m going to take with me.”
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