Being a Student-Athlete Mentor

Working with student-athletes is a big part of the career I’ve chosen and hope to continue in.  In communications, I try to coach them on ways to speak to and handle the media- for them to build their brand through their interviews, for them to answer questions in a way that both impress and benefit themselves, the reporter and the reader.  Student-athletes are in the limelight and most of them want to make good impressions and be role models.  They want to be well-liked and rooted for- on the field, off the field and into the future.  They have to learn how to use social media and the platform they’ve been given to their advantage and that’s something I try to help them with as a communications professional.  

This semester I was able to work with student-athletes in a different way.  I became a student-athlete mentor.  Here at Georgia, a mentor is someone who provides leadership and guidance to assigned student-athletes.  We help them manage their class schedule, make sure they’re studying and doing their assignments on time.  We help them balance the roles of both being a student and an athlete, because after all, they are students first.  We meet with them a few times a week and I was fortunate enough to grow great relationships with my athletes.

Throughout the semester I got to see life through the eyes of a student-athlete.  I saw perseverance with an athlete coming back from injury.  I saw frustration from an athlete struggling in a class and having to work extra hard to get the desired grade.  I saw obedience and respect for the people around them who are there to help, support, and guide them to success. 

Sure, some athletes fall into the general stereotype of “I’m too good for this”.  I worked with one who seemed to care less about the “student” part of the title, but still worked hard to obtain the necessary grades.  That type of athlete, though, is not the majority from what I can see.

I’d say the most important thing I saw this semester was the dedication and determination in these athletes.  These athletes want to get good grades by putting 110% into their homework, tutoring, and studying.  They also want to win by putting 110% into their practices and work outs.  They work hard, they’re determined, and they’re committed to the “G”.  They don’t take the opportunity they’ve been given lightly and know they’re lucky to be a student-athlete.

I’m lucky to get to know and work with some great student-athletes.  I hope I can continue to learn as much from them as I hope they learn from me.