With many students attending CSU Stanislaus, it’s radical to assume that the majority have their time and energy fully committed to academics.
Candidly, that’s far from reality. Stan State athletes address their complex  routines.
Ashmeen Sran (sophomore, Nursing ) said she keeps herself on a really strict schedule.
“I’m constantly doing homework any chance I get, especially on road trips,” she said. 

For 12-20 hours a week, Stan State athletes dedicate their time to perfecting their skills. 

Gabriella Rawson (junior, Communication Studies) keeps an excel spreadsheet that has her schedule of classes, practices and game times.

“I go into our study area and do homework until the next class or until practice,” she said.  

Most athletes understand that having an inflexible routine is what helps maintain balance throughout semesters. Many athletes can feel the weight that this organization can entail. 

Bradley Magnussen (junior, Business) explained that it takes time and effort if you want to get anything out of the experience.

“It makes everything else in your life harder too,” he said. “Relationships, school, work, and family. All of it becomes strenuous.” 

Magnussen emphasizes that college athletes are strong when maintaining mental and emotional toughness. 

“We have to perform in the classroom and on the field every day,” Magnussen said. “All that pressure is emotionally taxing. It makes you question if certain things are worth it.”

Magnussen continuously reassures himself to be confident in his abilities and decisions without letting others get into his head.

Taylor Pilot (senior, Business) adds, “If anything, student-athletes have to work even harder in school to compensate for the time or lessons they’ve missed due to competition or practice.” 

Despite the demand, Stan State athletes have a multitude of supportive pillars. From teammates to coaches, friends, and family, athletes are constantly encouraged. 

Liliana Cookie Marques (junior, Criminal Justice) shares, “My coach constantly expresses the importance of education and has inspired me and some of my teammates to pursue our master’s degree.”

Pilot added, “Knowledge is power and the best way to gain knowledge is through education,” she said. “Being a 4.0 student-athlete, I have no room for laziness.” 

Sran expands on some recent advice from her coach; Quality over Quantity.

“Sometimes doing a little bit of something for a focused set time goes a longer way than grueling yourself out constantly,” she said.  

With a firm hand, athletes have learned that to persevere is to struggle. 

Kyndra Marzoni (senior, Criminal Justice) dedicates 12 hours a week to practicing. 

“Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward,” she said.

Athletes request assistance in making their athletic journey much smoother. 

Many would love to see the university appreciate college athletics along with showing more support for students. 

One main request that would be helpful for Stan State’s athletes is having the Fitzpatrick Arena classified as an athletic building rather than an educational building.

“Because the Arena is an educational building, athletes have to wait until classes are over to start their practices,” Pilot said. 

With such a late time slot, Pilot explained that the latest practice doesn’t end til 7 or 8 p.m.

These late practices contribute to the mental and emotional stress student-athletes have to manage.

With earlier practice slots, the freedom to use the Fitzpatrick Arena at any time will stretch time. 

Magnussen mentions that athletic trainers are understaffed and need more space for their athletes. 

“I know this is a big problem throughout our conference and I’m sure it’s a problem in other divisions,” he said.  

Pilot added, “Aid in the athletic training staff will all help to contribute to the student-athlete experience overall here at Stan State.”

Student athletes face constant obstacles, but they embody resilience and perseverance to conquer them.