How Student- Athletes Find a Balance

Although it is difficult, finding a balance between athletics and academics for Michigan State University student- athletes is possible. Olivia Derbabian, a member of the MSU rowing team, plans out her schedule for the week every Sunday night in order to assure she devotes enough time for her school work and her busy practice schedule, she said. With 850 students involved in 25 MSU Division I sports, the university provides many services to aid these students.  Jim Pignataro, the executive associate athletics director and director of student-athlete support services, said the Clara Bell Smith Center for athletes offers student tutorial support, academic advising, counseling, and coordinating, comprehensive career services and placement, multicultural program, community outreach coordination, leadership training and opportunities, and educational programming. “The Smith Center is one of the best perks about being an athlete,” said Derbabian. Jessica Kjellstrom, a member of the MSU women's soccer team, agrees and said, " It’s nice having a place just for athletes to go."  

    

Struggles of Being a Student-Athlete

According to student- athletes at Michigan State University, both past and present, finding a balance between their sport and their academics is difficult. Tom Hauck, a former MSU football player, said,"Football was basically a full time job, ten months out of the year." He said it was hard to find time to devote himself to his classes. Similarly, Jessica Kjellstrom said she also feels overwhelmed by her school work while playing on the MSU women's soccer team. Coming back to an exam after traveling for a game places a lot of stress on Kjellstrom, she said. Olivia Derbabian, a member of the MSU rowing team, said with two to three hour practices, six days of the week, she struggles with managing her schedule.