While it does take talent to rise to the top, it also takes the right mindset and a degree of mental maturity to be able to handle the pressures that go along with being successful in sports. It has been said that 90% of athletic ability is mental.

The harder you are pushed mentally, the harder you can push yourself physically, giving you that extra edge and making you a better athlete.

Managing your time outside of practice is also key to staying sane as a student athlete. With school, practice and your personal life to juggle, learning to effectively manage your time at an early age is critical. As a young athlete hoping to play at the collegiate level, you must be able to manage a class schedule and daily training. 

Setting aside time every night to complete your studies or joining a study group can be beneficial to your education, which will keep your mind at ease. 

If you continue to feel physically and mentally drained, here are some things that can help calm you down:

• Set aside time for yourself
• Find a hobby outside of your normal activity
• While physical activity is supposed to take away stress, try an exercise outside of your normal routine

Learning time management will be a life skill that benefits you on the playing field, in the classroom and in your career.