California Baptist University 2022

Balancing two lives Student athletes juggle both playing a sport and being a full-time student

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Student athletes make up a little less than 10% of the student body at CBU. However, their presence is tangibly felt in the energy and spirit they bring to campus. Nonetheless, living a dual life as both an athlete and a full-time student can quickly become quite busy and overwhelming. Dressed in a gold and blue uniform, Alyssa Hall studies at a table making

task. I also try to plan times to rest as well in the midst of the craziness,” Liu says. Liu explained how her faith affected the way she dealt with stress by saying, “When I am overwhelmed I try to take a step back and focus on what I can control and not worry about what I cannot. I also find my faith to be essential in these times because I trust that the Lord is inevitably

in control and will be my strength when I feel weak.” Student-athletes are rewarded for their diligence and hard work with the community and friendships they acquire on their team. “I wanted to be a part of the amazing talent on the team and loved the fact that the team is rooted in faith. Having an encouraging and supportive team is a huge blessing when I am tired or discouraged. Looking to the future and aiming for my goals is a great motivator as well,” Hall says. Moving towards a greater goal helped keep them focused as they found camaraderie.

use of the time before the basketball game. For Hall, sophomore graphic design major, time is precious and every break she has is easily filled by the

When I am overwhelmed I try to take a step back and focus on what I can control... Alyssa Hall sophomore graphic design major

plethora of things she must accomplish in a day. Being on the dance team, working a part-time job and being a full-time student, Hall has learned how to balance a busy life. “I keep track of all my responsibilities on a calendar and work hard in both school and dance. The

most challenging aspect is balancing all of my activities in a healthy way that allows me to make the most of my time here at CBU. School and dance are a priority and I have learned that making time for rest is also crucial,” Hall says. Similarly, for swim and dive student-athlete Madison Liu, junior exercise science major, she has found ways to ground herself and live in the moment. “I deal with stress when there’s a lot on my plate by trying to ‘be where my feet are.’ This means that I try to be present wherever I am whether that’s class, or practice or studying, and focus on the

“My favorite part of being a student athlete is the team aspect and being a part of such an amazing group of people working towards a common goal in both our sport and preparing for our future with academics. We are always playing music at practice and it makes even the coldest days more enjoyable,” Liu says. Finding moments of peace and rest, student athletes juggle their many responsibilities, bringing school pride while simultaneously preparing for their future.

ON THE GO Alyssa Hall, sophomore graphic design major, studies before a basketball game where she is performing as a Lancer Dancer.

WORDS Kia Harlan

PHOTO Kia Harlan

DESIGN Kia Harlan

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Student Athletes