For most people, being a college student is a full-time job and leaves them with plenty on their plate.
For others, on top of these pressures is the jammed-packed schedule of playing a sport. And for a very selective few, they are able to be a two-sport athlete while also meeting the challenges of a full time class schedule.
Sophomore Molly Murray, who competes for both Keene State field hockey and softball, is one of these athletes. “I am a very organized person, so that is very helpful when it comes to playing two sports…. The biggest thing for me is to manage my time well and get ahead on my work when I can,” said Murray.
Similarly, sophomore Elizabeth Gonyea said being a two-season athlete requires a significant amount of planning. “I use Sunday to really plan out and get ready for the week by designating times to get homework and my studying done in between practices and lifts,” said Gonyea.
As part of the complicated scheduling, sometimes twoseason athletes need to make sacrifices, Gonyea and Murray said. Sometimes the two sports overlap and there’s nothing that can be done other than missing out on one of them.
“In the fall, I don’t participate in Fall Ball for softball, and in the spring, I don’t participate in [the] season for field hockey. Sometimes it is hard because I hate missing out, but it’s important to keep my focus on the sport that I am in season with,” said Murray. For Gonyea, there’s even more conflict with the fall/winter season overlap. “Usually the last two weeks of my field hockey season, basketball is beginning, so I am only allowed to observe basketball practices during this time because I am still in season for field hockey,” said Gonyea.
Even with their busy schedules, both agree that pursuing two sports at the NCAA level is worth it and something they have no regrets about doing.
Gonyea said, “If you really want something bad enough in life, there’s always a way to make it work. My advice to others who are playing two sports would be to just stay organized and on top of your schoolwork, and all of the rest will work out.”
A big part of college for many is the social aspect of it: enjoying the prime of your life and looking to make new friendships with people from all over. Sports come with a lot of obligations and sacrifices for all the practices, workouts, and games.
“All of my teammates are some of my best friends both on and off the field & court. Being a part of a team is something so special, and the friendships that I have with some of my teammates, I just know that I will have forever,” said Gonyea.
Cal Thompson can be contacted at
cthompson@kscequinox.com
“If you really want something bad enough in life, there’s always a way to make it work,”
ELIZABETH GONYEA
KSC SOPHOMORE
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