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Araceli Leon - From High School to CollegePublished by
The transition from being a high school student-athlete to a college student-athlete is quite different for everyone. While some decide to compete at programs close to home, some decide that out of State schools are more their fancy.
Some athletes decide that big Division 1 programs is where they want to compete while still others decide on DII, DIII, Juco, or even Ivy League programs. Everyone that takes the next step and competes at the collegiate level has a different, unique story, but some of the experiences and lessons along the way are universal. Running at the collegiate level is a commitment with sometimes very different experiences from what runners experienced in high school. Our goal is to share those experiences and offer a glimpse into the life of the collegiate athlete irregardless of the size, quality or affiliation of the school. Araceli Leon - Estero HS Class of 2014
Coming out of HS and entering your freshman year, what were your biggest concerns?
My biggest concern entering my freshman year of college was the work load from classes and adjusting to the training here at Florida State University.
How did you overcome them? I basically overcame the fear of a big work load by taking it one day at a time and doing the work that is more of a priority first. it's not as bad as it seems as long as you do the work and study. As for the training, it just takes a little bit of time to adjust. I'm working through it and giving it my best. Most successful high school runners have a routine or regimen that served them well. How has your routine adjusted in college? My daily routine has adjusted pretty well in college, I'm happy with how this semester has been going so far. It just takes a week or two in the beginning to get used to. The team dynamic can be very different at the collegiate level. How would you describe your team? My teammates are amazing! They are all so strong and work together so well in workouts. We all have a great bond and put in the work when it needs to be done. I'm very grateful to be a part of this team. Training is something that also goes up a notch at every level. How was the adjustment period and how do you prioritize your training with other aspects of collegiate life? The training has definitely gone up a notch, it's very different and much harder but I'm working my way through it. My training is a pretty big priority because it's what I love to do, but it comes right after academics. If you had to pass on words of wisdom for those seniors looking at competing at the next level, what would you tell them?
I would say that it is a wonderful experience to be on a collegiate team and just to keep doing the sport you love. Training may be difficult at times but definitely worth it in the end. What's the best part of life right now?
The best part of life right now I would have to say is having the chance to run at a collegiate level and just going through the next step in my life.
PRs 800m - 2:22.71 1600m - 5:14.65 3200m - 11:29.27 5000m - 18:14.65 6000m - 23:44.95 |
