How Do I Prepare for my Freshman Year in College? |
Five key Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transitionby John Brooks Red Numbers Golf |
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Every college freshman faces the same
challenges, especially early on during their
initial academic semester. Most are away from
home for the first time, adjusting to harder
academic courses, managing increased
responsibilities, and trying to meet new
friends. As student-athletes, some freshmen
are challenged further because they also have a
sport and team to focus on. This can be
particularly tough for golfers who face a fall
season that begins within the first two weeks
of their freshman year.
As a former college golf coach, I have a few
suggestions that I believe will help high
school seniors as they prepare for taking that
big step at the end of the summer.
1. Learn Effective Time Management
Skills
Purchase a watch
Keep a calendar with golf & academic
deadlines/key dates
Get more organized
2. Focus on Health & Fitness
Sleep at least 8
hours per night
Eat three meals daily (healthy foods)
Work out regularly
See a doctor if you get sick or
injured
3. Develop a List of Priorities & Set
Goals
Set academics as your
main priority
Work with your coach to establish golf
goals
Enjoy a social life but not at the expense
of academics or golf
4. Stay in Contact with Your Support
Team
Communicate regularly
with your parents
See your swing instructor when time
permits
Schedule periodic meetings with your
college coach
Talk to your sports psychologist
before/after tournaments
Meet once per semester with your academic
advisor
Find a mentor on the team to listen to
(upper classman)
5. Trust Your Golf Ability & Play "Your
Game"
Resist the temptation
to change your game
now that you are in college
Be careful whom you listen to when working
on your golf swing
Remain patient and have low expectations as
a freshman
Work hard to get better with all aspects of
your game—learn through experience
If you can follow these five suggestions, your
transition to college will be smooth, and your
golf game will continue to improve as a
collegiate player. It's okay to make "freshman
mistakes"—just make sure you learn from them.
And always choose your friends carefully.
Good luck!
Coach Brooks
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