Balancing Books and Blades: The Challenges and Benefits of Being a Student-Athlete in College and the NHL

For countless college students, the allure of the National Hockey League (NHL) extends far beyond the thrill of the game. Why? Because it actually symbolizes a stage where passion meets profession. In fact, the NHL is not only a beacon of hope. It’s also a real testament to the idea that dedication, hard work, and a love for the sport can truly take you places. It’s where young talents transform into legends and where college efforts evolve into global recognition. Sounds quite inspiring, isn’t it? 

Of course, the allure of the NHL mesmerizes many. But the academic pressures of college remain a formidable challenge in life of students. And balancing the rigorous demands of sports with academic assignments is not that easy, so this is where Edubirdie steps into the spotlight. Basically, it recognizes the unique challenges faced by student-athletes. Edubirdie offers professional help to ensure that their academic journey doesn’t falter. With an expert ready to step in and do your assignment and essay, students can focus on their NHL dreams. Just as trainers and coaches are vital in the sports arena, Edubirdie is an indispensable teammate in the academic arena.

But if you are still wondering what can help you combine your studies with an athlete career, keep reading the article. 

1. Dual Pathway Research

When you’re passionate about something, it feels right to immerse yourself in environments that nurture that passion. This is why scouting colleges with strong NHL connections makes sense. Luckily, institutions like Boston University offer a support system and familiarity, making the transition smoother. They are actually known for producing NHL stars like Jack Eichel and other famous stars. 

2. Leverage Technology

Psychologists say that our brains love organization. And it’s completely true. When things are structured and planned out, stress levels can decrease. That’s why you should check apps like ‘My Study Life.’ They not only keep your commitments organized but also reduce the cognitive load. In turn, it allows you to focus on what’s essential.

3. Build a Network Early

Of course, human beings are inherently social creatures. So connect with professionals early! Why? This way you’re not just expanding your knowledge, you’re also receiving validation and belongingness. And these are two key drivers of motivation. Imagine having casual chats with NHL veterans while still in college. It’s both educational and motivating, isn’t it?

4. Customize Your Academic Schedule

Flexibility in learning environments has been shown to increase comprehension and retention rates. This fact is actually confirmed by numerous studies. So try blending online and in-person classes. Thus, you will tailor your learning journey, ensuring both academic and athletic growth.

5. Engage in Specialized Training

Mastery and progress are other strong motivators on your way to success. In fact. focusing on specialized training sessions gives you a sense of accomplishment. And this is a key component for intrinsic motivation, according to some psychologists. Plus, honing specific skills, like precision shooting, gives you a unique edge. Isn’t it important to you? 

6. Master Self-Discipline

This tips sounds really obvious, but it works. Every time you choose practice over partying, you’re reinforcing a commitment to your goals. Don’t forget about that. This repeated action strengthens neural pathways related to discipline. Over time, it will be much easier for you to make choices aligned with your long-term aspirations.

7. Find a Role Model

Have you heard about mirror neurons in our brains? Basically, they help us learn by observing. So by having a mentor, your brain can ‘mirror’ their success strategies. The good thing for you is that it will give you insights you might not have discovered on your own. Think of how Chris Kreider balanced college and hockey. His path can be a roadmap for your journey.

8. Seek Scholarships

It’s not a secret that recognition and validation drive self-worth. You’ve probably experienced it yourself many times. So, when an institution offers you a scholarship, it’s not just financial help; it’s an affirmation of your talent. And this helps in boosting your self-esteem and confidence on and off the rink.

9. Consider Interning with NHL

Experiential learning is a super powerful tool. By interning with an NHL team, you’re exposed to tacit knowledge. These are things you learn by doing and experiencing rather than just reading about. What will you get as a result?  This hands-on experience is invaluable, and psychologically, it amplifies a sense of belonging in the NHL community. Don’t miss on this point.

10. Stay Updated with Writing Services 

Stress can be a huge roadblock in our cognitive processes. It doesn’t actually let us move forward. So by seeking professional help when needed, you’re ensuring that stress doesn’t hinder your performance. Edubirdie can be your reliable backup when you face difficulties. So even during peak seasons, your academics remain intact, striking a balance.

Author’s BIO

Cory Shilling is a famous coach and tutor. She combines her passion for both – sports training and teaching. Cory believes that doing sports is a great supplement to learning.

DJ’S SPINNING RECORDS

AUSTINTOWN, OH-  In this episode, we dive into the world of Austintown Fitch’s star player, DJ Williams. Join us as we sit down with DJ to uncover what makes his talent on the football field so special.

From his pre-snap reads to his thunderous running style, DJ shares the secrets behind his success. We also discuss his confidence, his transition from quarterback to running back, and the importance of the upcoming game against Ursuline.

Tune in to hear how DJ and his team have used an early season loss as a springboard, and how they are leaving it all on the field every week.

Plus, DJ opens up about his passion for the game and his upcoming journey to play college football at Ball State. And finally, we couldn’t resist asking DJ about his gaming skills, and whether we can expect to see him dominating on the virtual gridiron as well.

Get ready for an inspiring and insightful look into the life and career of DJ Williams, only on YSN.

 

PRESENTED BY

NO BLANK SPACES IN THE TROPHY CASE

BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us from Boardman, Ohio. We sit down with McKenzie Riccitelli, a talented student-athlete who is making a name for herself in cross country and basketball.

McKenzie shares the incredible journey she has been on, from balancing her sports commitments to her aspirations for the future.

We also delve into her close-knit family and the role they have played in supporting her dreams. Plus, McKenzie reveals a surprising talent that not many people know about.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with McKenzie Riccitelli.

PRESENTED BY

GO FOR GLOW; MIHOK MAKING A DIFFERENCE

BOARDMAN, OH-  In today’s episode, we dive into a fascinating player profile featuring Abby Mihok, a junior athlete from the girls’ cross-country team.

Abby shares her experience as a part of the team and her excitement for the upcoming night race. She also talks about her transition from sprinting to long-distance running and the positive impact it has had on her performance.

We also learn about the influential role her teammates played in bringing Abby back to the sport, as well as her future aspirations for college and beyond.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Abby Mihok.

PRESENTED BY

HOW TO NOT GET BORED OF SPORTS. A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

Every athlete has had this moment when the workout just seems boring. You just want to be done with it. You are doing the same thing over and over again, and the motivation starts to dip. If it is something that you are experiencing, this guide will give you tips on how to overcome it.

Reasons for Boredom in Sports

Some people might have a hard time imagining that athletes can get bored with what they are doing. Whether you are a college athlete or do sports on your own, it is a pretty common problem.

According to the research by Franklin Velasco and Rafael Jorda, boredom is prevalent among professional athletes, college students, and amateur athletes as well. The main reasons for this are:

  • Repetitive tasks;
  • Negative mood;
  • Lack of interest and motivation among teammates;
  • Long waiting periods;
  • Lack of clear goals and competition.

If not addressed properly, it can become a serious issue that impacts your performance. When you get bored with the workout, no one will do it for you, unlike other tasks. For instance, if a student doesn’t feel like doing a boring essay, they have a way out. Professional academic writing services can help with any type of academic paper. Will they have a nursing paper writing service? – The answer is yes. Qualified authors can easily nail writing, editing, and proofreading any assignment for college. They might take over and polish your paper or do it for you completely.

They also provide expert guidance, which helps to build advanced skills. Professionals are ready to work on short notice and provide an authentic and well-written paper. This is a great help for those who struggle with academic writing for different reasons.

Unfortunately, no one can do the workout for you to achieve your goals. So if you start feeling bored regularly, it is time to address the issue.

How to Combat Boredom

It is worth noting that this can happen to anyone, whether you are competing for your college professionally or participating as an amateur. It also doesn’t depend on the type of exercise you are doing. Boredom might find you on the field, in the gym, or on the run. The first step is to acknowledge it and realize that it is a normal thing.

The second is to try one or all of these methods.

Brush on Your Goals

There are many reasons why students participate in sports. Some want to become professionals, others do it as part of self-care, and some might want to achieve specific health and body goals. In any case, you need to have clear goals to keep your motivation high.

Try to formulate goals according to the SMART formula – they need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Write down your goals and put them somewhere you can see them regularly, for example:

  • I want to win the summer competition;
  • I want to lose 5 kilos in 4 months;
  • I want to tone my muscles by the fall;
  • I want to exercise twice a week to feel better, improve my mental health, and sleep better.

Focus on what you are working toward so that the routine doesn’t seem pointless.

Track Your Progress

If you do not track your progress, it is much easier to lose motivation. The results do not happen overnight. So if you do not have clear metrics to track, it might feel like you are working for nothing.

The solution is to set metrics and track them. Those can be the speed of the exercise, the growing intensity, body changes, or sleep patterns. Whatever corresponds with your goals. Some might take videos of them practicing to see how better they get at specific techniques or exercises. Make progress tracking a regular process.

Switch Up the Routine

If it is possible, switch your routine a bit. Some exercises might be easily altered to another one working the same group of muscles. If you are bored while running, choose a new route or new destination. Or you can alter the running pace.

Even changing the order of exercises can bring a sense of novelty (but it should be done carefully, always starting with a proper warm-up). Those who exercise as amateurs or for personal goals may try different sports.

Find a Partner

Another good way to make it more fun is to find a fitness partner. You can work on your summer bodies together, communicate, and challenge each other. Any activity will be more entertaining if you are doing it with someone you enjoy spending time with.

A workout partner might motivate you and hold you accountable when you do not feel like doing anything. And you can do it for them when the time comes. Also, you can try to go to group fitness classes for a similar effect.

Turn the Music On or Off

This depends on how you usually train. If you always listen to music – turn your headphones off. Maybe it makes you feel alone in the gym. If you never listened to music before during a workout – try it. Perhaps it will boost your motivation and give you additional energy. It is essential to find the right playlist thou.

Another good option is to listen to thought-provoking or exciting content while you are working out. These could be podcasts, lectures, or audiobooks. The challenging part is to find something that makes you interested but not too involved that you forget about push-ups completely.

Get a Trainer

This is another valid idea if nothing seems to help. Working with professionals allows for learning from the best and achieving goals easier. It is similar to partnering with writing services to create an outstanding project.

A personal trainer can adjust your goals and workout routine. They can propose new exercises and give dietary tips. They can also come up with ideas on how to make the routine more entertaining with game elements or little prizes. And the trainer will always keep you accountable.

In Summary

Getting bored of sports happens much more often than people realize. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you, and you should quit. It just means that it is time for changes.

 

PAWLOWSKI MAKES A CAPITAL CONNECTION

East Palestine- Mason Pawlowski came into the 2022 football season with offers from various programs all interested in his ability to produce on and off the field. Serving as the cornerstone to the Regional Championship Jefferson Falcons offensive line he played an integral part in solidifying one of the most explosive offenses in Division IV region 13. While offers began to stack up for Pawlowski, Capital University stuck out the most and was ultimately chosen to be the place where he will fight in the trenches next year.

 

Pawlowski fully embraced the student portion of his student athlete title during his tenure at Jefferson High School as one of the top academic students in the school achieving a 4.0 GPA and becoming one of the top ranked students in his class. When speaking to head football coach Brandon Hanna about Mason he marveled at Pawlowski’s work ethic and his undying pursuit to become better every day. Whether he was blocking against the biggest and strongest defenders on the line or getting called into the backfield to serve as additional muscle Mason embraced and conquered any challenge that was placed before him. He looks forward to incorporating the Falcons mindset of “BTC” or Be The Change when embarking on his new journey at Capital University.

PROS & CONS OF BEING A PRO ATHLETE AT COLLEGE

Athletes always seem to have it all when it comes to career prospects and fame. So, being a pro athlete at college bears some benefits. You’re likely to be a sort of local celebrity in your college. Not to mention good relationships with teachers. 

 

But there are also some downsides to consider. You’ll have to make some sacrifices if you want to go pro in sports. There are a lot of tasks and responsibilities to balance for an athlete at college. Here are six pros and cons of choosing a college athlete path. 

Intense Workload

The first and biggest con of being a college athlete is having no time. Teachers are quite understanding and forgiving towards athletes. Still, you do need to keep your academic performance steady. Of course, you won’t be eager to work on the research paper after intense training before a match or competition. So, you‘d need to ace time management.

 

Notably, looking for a system that helps you balance out your academic, sports and social life is no easy task. It will take you some trial and error. Thus, to avoid crashing under assignments, look for legit essaypro to help you out with the biggest papers. After all, learning to prioritize is going to be crucial in managing an intense workload.

Scholarships 

The effort is worthy of the prize. Sports scholarships are among the most generous ones. If you go pro as an athlete, you can even count on a fully-funded scholarship for your program. And considering the burden a student loan puts on you, this is a huge advantage.

 

Of course, getting a sports scholarship will require dedication and excellence. But an athlete already has these qualities. That is if you treat your practice seriously. And if you do, be sure to land a scholarship that will carry you through all your college years. 

Restrictive Lifestyle

At the same time, if you’re serious about going pro, parties are not going to be your scene. Despite what they are showing you in the movies, being a college athlete is following discipline. That means even getting on a restrictive diet before a competition if needed.

 

With all the restrictions and demands to your physical form, you won’t have much time to drink gallons of beer on Fridays. Of course, it does not mean that you won’t have a social life. But sports will always come first.  

Alumni Network

That said, years of strict training will pay off. Being a college athlete gets you into the alumni network. That means getting in contact with already successful graduate athletes. And be sure that these are extremely useful for your future.

 

If you play your cards right, you can even get a recommendation for a job from them. It’s all about networking with the right people. And luckily, being a college athlete puts you at an advantage here. Just don’t be afraid to reach out first. 

Injuries

The most terrifying thing that can happen to an athlete is getting injured. And even though a certain level of trauma is always going to be there in sports, some injuries can jeopardize your athletic career. And sometimes it can result in long-term health issues.

 

Granted, you shouldn’t be afraid of playing sports for fear of getting injured. But you have to be cautious about it. Never go in without a warm-up. Make sure to follow all of your coach’s instructions. And avoid putting all your eggs in one basket with sports. Keep your options open.   

Priority in Class Registration 

On the bright side, there are certain social perks to being a college athlete. For one, they usually have a good relationship with class scheduling administrators. So, you’ll not only get a heads up about classes in the new semester but also early registration. Your practice and training are taken into account here. Thus, you do not have to worry about your credits.

 

With this opportunity, you can register for classes with less demanding teachers. Especially if you have a big competition to train for. But even if you happen to end up in a tough class, you can always trust your assignments to the best essay editing services to get them off your chest. Your college will benefit much more from your victory than from your burnout. 

Wrapping Up

And that’s about it. It will take you quite some time to figure out how to balance all of your academic, athletic, and personal responsibilities all at once. At the same time, you can be hopeful about getting a handsome scholarship for yourself. Still, you’d need to follow a strict regime for your training. But being in the athletes’ circle will give you tons of future social benefits. Of course, you have to be cautious of injuries. And yet, certain perks are too good to pass. Like getting class registration priorities.   

2023 YSN BOYS BASKETBALL ALL-STAR GAME ROSTER

2023 YSN GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL-STAR GAME ROSTER

MULLEN AND BRUNGARD LEAD THE WAY FOR THE TIGERS

LOWELLVILLE, OH- The Springfield Tigers and the Lowellville Rockets met on Thursday night in MVAC play. The Tigers came out strong to start the ballgame, and kept that lead the entire way to come out victorious by 23.

Springfield started the first quarter on a 6-0 run, until the Rockets started to come alive from three point range knocking down two three’s from Francesca Lellio and Averi Shumaker. Springfield senior Jacey Mullen scored 10 out of the 16 first quarter points to lead by 10, 16-6 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Tigers outscored the Rockets 18-9 to lead 34-15 at the half.

In the second half, the Tigers put on cruise control and allowed some jv members of the team to get in the fourth quarter. The Tigers improved to 15-2 with a 62-39 victory. The Rockets are now 7-10 on the campaign and will host Crestview on Saturday afternoon.

Mullen led the Tigers with 22 points, while Jameka Brungard dominated the offensive glass all night long to score 16 points on the night. The Rockets were led by Francesca Lellio who scored 12 points while knocking down 2 three-pointers. Behind Lellio was Savannah Procick and Serinna Tych who added 6 points.