When college freshman report to pre-season workouts they are inevitably a step behind the upper class athletes. Most college freshman, no matter how well he or she has prepared before they got to college, have a hard time adjusting to the demands of coaches and levels of intensity in collegiate sports.

Pressures and expectations are high

The competitiveness and the intensity of college athletics is unlike anything the high school student-athletes has experienced. Participating in sports at the collegiate level carries with it a lot of pressure; both on the coaches and on the student-athlete. The strong demands on coaches and athletes can be quite overwhelming at times. After a three hour practice, film sessions, classes, and homework there seems little time for anything else.

Contact your college coaches before arriving on campus

High school athletes entering college need to understand and be very aware of the demands they will inevitably face when they arrive on campus. Incoming freshman should contact their perspective college coaches and discuss what training programs they should complete before reporting to practice. Contact the college's strength and conditioning coach and ask them to send you copies of the teams' weight lifting and conditioning program. In addition, ask your head coach to send copies of play books and team handbook, and expectations, etc.

Step-up and arrive prepared

In closing, my strongest piece of advice for high school athletes entering college is to be prepared. Prepare yourselves physically and mentally. Understand that you will be asked to "step-up" your intensity, your commitment and compete at a higher level than you have in the past. Great demands and high expectations will rest on your shoulders, and by you understanding your responsibilities as a student-athlete, you will have the confidence to meet the demands necessary for a successful collegiate career.