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.

Caroline Barlow

Gulf Coast High School

University of Alabama

Coming out of HS and entering your freshman year, what were your biggest concerns?

Entering my freshman year I was most concerned about what it would be like training with so many girls faster than me. In high school I didn't have to worry about whether I would make the team to travel to meets or even how long I could hang on in workouts. The increase in mileage and intensity was very scary to me. I was also nervous about balancing academics with athletics and finding the time to sleep!

How did you overcome them?

I overcame these fears when I realized that the older girls are here to help, they have been such a huge support and really are what made the transition possible. Workouts, while a little difficult to get used to at first, have really improved, not only my speed, but also my ability to run in a pack. Balancing everything kind of took care of itself because I learned to make the most of any free time.

Most successful high school runners have a routine or regimen that served them well. How has your routine adjusted in college?

In high school I followed a pretty regular schedule: school, a nap, practice, dinner, homework, and sleep. I basically follow the same schedule now, I just have make sure to do things like homework or studying when I have the time and remember not to procrastinate. Having study hall and our dining hall in the same building has been a huge time saver, I also realized that prioritizing and using a planner make life much easier!

The team dynamic can be very different at the collegiate level. How would you describe your team?

Our team is incredibly close! Everyone is always there to support one another and we are always building each other up. One of the things I like most is how often we get together outside of practice to bond and have some fun! At the beginning of the season each of the older girls drew names to pick a “little sister” giving us each someone to look to as a mentor. It is great having a team that constantly wants to push you towards improvement.

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?

I had a little bit of a rough time adjusting to the training at first, coming off of my injury during track season made me feel behind and affected my confidence level. After help from coaches and teammates I was able to get back on track and now I feel like I’m in the best shape I have ever been in! The other aspects of college life were easier to adjust to; having Emily Edwards as a roommate has helped me tremendously! It is so nice already knowing someone and having someone who knows where you came from. We have definitely leaned on each other this first part of the year. I prioritize academics and athletics by remembering that that is why I am here; if they don’t come first then I would basically be wasting all the wonderful opportunities they can give me!

If you had to pass on words of wisdom for those seniors looking at competing at the next level, what would you tell them?

It is important to pick a school where you can really see yourself enjoying all parts of it! You are going to be spending four of some of the most important years of your life there so make sure it is somewhere you would have fun at while becoming the best student-athlete you can be. Also make the most of your last few months of high school, you will have those memories forever!

What's the best part of life right now?
 

The best part of life right now is being apart of such an amazing group of athletes at such an incredible school! Coming off of a third place team finish at SEC’s and having some big goals ahead of us is so exciting! I am loving every part of life right now! Roll Tide!