By Jonathan Misura
The Balancing Act
Being a college athlete is one of the greatest experiences of my life—but it hasn’t always been easy. When you play at the college level, especially a sport as demanding as baseball, you learn real fast that it’s not just about playing the game you love. It’s about balance. It’s about discipline. And it’s about pushing through challenges—on and off the field.
From managing early morning lifts and long road trips to keeping up with papers, projects, and exams, the college athlete lifestyle teaches you how to juggle it all. There have been times I’ve felt overwhelmed or stretched too thin, but those moments have taught me some of the most valuable lessons I’ll carry with me for life.
Learning Time Management the Hard Way
One of the first challenges I had to face in college was managing my time. In high school, your schedule is laid out for you. In college, everything changes. You’ve got workouts in the morning, classes throughout the day, practice in the afternoon, and homework at night. If you’re not organized, you’re going to fall behind—and fast.
At first, I made the mistake of thinking I could just “wing it.” I’d tell myself I’d study after practice or finish a paper in the morning. But I quickly learned that without a plan, I was setting myself up to fail. Now, I live by my calendar. I block out time for everything—training, classes, study time, and even rest. It’s not just about being busy—it’s about being productive.
Facing Failure and Bouncing Back
Every athlete has off days. You strike out three times. You make an error that costs the team a run. Or maybe you don’t get the playing time you hoped for. Those moments can shake your confidence. I’ve definitely had my fair share of games that didn’t go my way, and it’s tough. You feel like you let your team down. You start to doubt yourself.
But here’s what I’ve learned: failure is part of growth. You either let it break you or you let it build you. When I mess up now, I watch the tape, talk to my coaches, and figure out what I can improve. I’ve learned to be hard on myself in a constructive way—not a destructive one. It’s about growth, not perfection.
Handling the Pressure
There’s a lot of pressure in college sports—more than most people realize. You want to perform well for your coaches, your teammates, your school, and yourself. You want to live up to expectations. That pressure can be motivating, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t have a strong mindset.
For me, dealing with pressure has meant learning to stay grounded. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control—my attitude, my effort, my preparation. I’ve found that routines help. Whether it’s a warm-up playlist, pre-game rituals, or breathing techniques, those little things help calm the nerves and keep me centered.
I also lean on my teammates. We’re all going through the same struggles, and having guys you can talk to and support each other with makes a huge difference.
Academics Matter Too
It’s easy to forget sometimes, but we’re not just athletes—we’re students. College is about preparing for life after sports, and the classroom is just as important as the field. I’ve had to work hard to stay on top of my grades, especially during the season when travel cuts into class time and study hours.
There have been nights I was dead tired after a doubleheader, but still had to write a paper or study for a midterm. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. You have to communicate with your professors, use the resources your school offers, and never be afraid to ask for help. Just like on the field, you need a game plan in the classroom too.
Staying Healthy—Physically and Mentally
Another challenge I’ve faced as a college athlete is taking care of my body and my mind. Injuries are a part of the game, and I’ve had to learn how to rehab properly and not rush the process. The training staff has been a huge help, and I’ve learned the value of stretching, recovery days, and eating right.
But mental health is just as important. There were times I felt burnt out or stressed beyond belief. That’s when I started focusing more on rest, sleep, and doing things that recharge me—like listening to music, going for walks, or hanging out with friends. Talking things out with someone, whether it’s a coach, teammate, or counselor, can make all the difference too.
What I’ve Gained
Looking back at my journey so far, I can say that college sports have shaped me in ways I never imagined. I’ve become more disciplined, more resilient, and more self-aware. I’ve learned how to work with others, lead by example, and stay focused under pressure.
Most of all, I’ve learned that challenges are what make you better. They test your limits, yes—but they also show you what you’re really made of. Every setback has made me stronger. Every tough day has taught me something new.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about playing college sports, know this: it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You’ll be challenged in ways that push you past your comfort zone. But you’ll also grow into the kind of person who can take on anything life throws your way.
The lessons I’ve learned from the field and the classroom have shaped who I am—and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.