UMF’s Student Athletes

Dearborn Gym

Photos from UMF Athletics Page 

November 17, 2023

Grace Sommer, Contributing Writer

Many students who attend UMF are collegiate athletes. The University offers a variety of sports for both men and women, including basketball, softball or baseball, track and field, skiing, and many others. Student athletes have hectic schedules and have to make sure they are managing their time wisely. If their grades start to drop, they can’t play the sport they love because the student has to come before the athlete. 

Ruby McMinis, a sophomore at UMF majoring in health promotion and wellness, competes on two different sports teams for the Beavers: basketball and lacrosse. Her days are composed of team lifts, practices, and games, but she is also a full-time student. 

“Keeping up with school work is definitely a challenge,” McMinis said. “Trying to find the energy to do homework after putting in all my effort into my sports is something I struggle with.” 

Throughout the beginning of the semester, McMinis participated as much as she could in fall ball with her lacrosse team, all while participating in the preseason for basketball. “Staying motivated is difficult when some days I don’t want to go to class and just sleep and rest all day. But my motivation is my personal success. I always want to do the best I possibly can, and putting in all my effort every day is what makes me better.”

Playing a sport can help young adults build and work on confidence, leadership, discipline, and habits. These seasons last roughly four months long, which means teammates are working and growing together. Students are forming connections with people they may not typically see in their daily class schedules. 

“I know it sounds cliché and what everyone says, but I’ve never been able to have such a strong bond with teammates as I do in college,” McMinis said. “Knowing that I have a team of 13 to 18 that I can call if I ever need anything is a great feeling.”

Being committed to a team comes with some sacrifice and planning. There are times when student-athletes have to miss classes due to having games, or they have to miss practices or team meetings due to having class. It also means they cannot go home as often as other college students. 

“A huge thing I have had to sacrifice is seeing my family. Most people can go home on the weekends or leave school on a Thursday or Friday. Being an athlete, our only days off are Sundays, and that doesn’t leave enough time to make the trip home.” 

Many students know the demands playing a sport has on a person, but many positives come from being a part of something bigger than you. Time management is critical while in season, but so is the love and passion someone has for the game. It is also essential that student-athletes take care of themselves when needed. 

“Good mental health for athletes is a huge part of being able to perform to the best of your abilities.”