Utah Tech University welcomes new freshman athletes every year, although adapting to the demands of playing Division I is a challenge they must overcome.
These freshman athletes quickly learned how to structure their days effectively, to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Many of them faced the reality that they might not be the star players anymore. In high school, they were often the best, but in college, they are surrounded by equally talented athletes eager to prove themselves.
Sydney Reese, a freshman general studies major from Logandale, Nevada, plays for the women’s volleyball team. She said it took some time to adjust to the competition and the atmosphere where players are always fighting to earn a spot.
“I came from a really small town where there was not a lot of competition,” Reese said. “Then coming into this, there was lots and lots and lots of competition that was unexpected that I had never had to face before.”
Reese graduated early from high school and came to Utah Tech. She said it was intimidating coming in being only 17, but the girls were friendly and made things simpler.
Miguel Regino, a freshman pre-engineer major from Albuquerque, New Mexico, said playing soccer in his hometown to a Division l program was nerve-racking. Regino said that being a Division I school comes with a great deal of pressure.
“When you look at the crowd and see all those people, you kind of get those nerves,” Regino said. “If I make a mistake, everyone’s going to think I suck. At the end of the day, you have to focus on what you’re doing, and you learn to drown them out as the game progresses”
He was impressed with the training facilities and the hospitality that athletes receive. All athletes on campus have access to trainers, rehabilitation centers, academic tutors and a weight room, specifically for student-athletes and coaches.
Adee Butler, a freshman biology major from Pocatello, Idaho, plays for the women’s volleyball team. She said one of her favorite things about being part of the Division I program is the competition.
“I was so excited for the higher level competition,” Butler said. “Having everybody around me wanting to compete and strive to be their best has far exceeded my expectations. Everybody is all in every moment, and I love it so much.”
The transition to college as a Division l athlete is a learning experience. It pushes young athletes to grow mentally, physically and emotionally into the person that they are.
Athletes will get out what they put in. Through hard work, dedication and drive, these athletes can achieve any goal they set. With this, they are ultimately trying to reach the end goal of many athletes—to play sports professionally.
