Advice from Babe Ruth Grads who were Student-Athletes: 

• Life is nothing more than a series of attempts. Literally, everything you do – personally or professionally – is simply another at bat. And whether the attempt goes well or not, you choose how you react. You can choose to react in a way that will serve you or set you back. If you consistently choose to react in ways that serve you, you will stay on a path of continual development and will take advantage of every chance you get to sharpen your sword and master your craft. 

• The roadmap to success and to playing sports on a college level is simple, but it’s not easy. You have to consistently do the right things. It’s easy to be really consistent for a few days or weeks when you have to wake up early,  go to class, watch film, study, eat healthy, practice, and do homework. But the people that can find the motivation and discipline to do the right things over and over again, compounding their efforts, are the ones who keep going even when there are setbacks, the ones who can meet adversity with character.  Those are the people that make it. Those are the people you remember. 

• Being a student athlete is both an honor and a privilege. Student always comes before athlete, so be sure to work just as hard in the classroom as on the field. Get your name out there, never give up, and always keep your options open to opportunities, even if they aren’t your first choice. Life has a way of working out exactly how it’s supposed to if you continue to work hard, be honest and appreciative to those who help along the way.  Stay true to yourself. 

• For those who want to continue their athletic career in the future and play at the next level, you have to work hard. There is always someone out there working harder than you and getting better; but if you want to be one of the best, you have to work like you are the best. Always believe in yourself and do things because you want to and love to do it.  Your future is in your hands so don’t take anything for granted as it can all be snatched away in a second. Your attitude is also key, so be great while also spreading joy, love, and laughter. Because if you don’t love what you are doing, then you hate what you are doing. Find a purpose and stick with it. 

• There’s nothing stopping you from reaching the next level other than yourself. You have to believe and focus on your sport and set goals and work at them every day. You also have to be ready to face adversity and learn to fight through it. Don’t let the hype or outside “noise” get to you or discourage you. Just because you may be from a small town doesn’t mean you can’t play at the next level on the “big stage.”  This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, but if you want to get to the next level you will have to make sacrifices. You are chasing a dream. Be a leader and be someone that a University would be proud to have on their campus. 

• Aim for excellence, not perfection. Cultivate a learning mindset instead of a fixed mindset. And always keep your eyes on the prize! 

• Think about where you want to be in 1, 3, 5 and 10 years. Write it down. Make smaller goals that will help you accomplish each of those milestones. Write them down. Now you have a road map. On an annual basis, evaluate where you are, where you want to go and adjust your plan accordingly. Most importantly, keep likeminded friends. The company you keep will either propel you to your goals or prevent you from achieving them. 

• Being a college athlete isn’t for everybody. It’s a lot of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. However, the experiences, opportunities, life skills and relationships you develop will be unmatched. Dream big, work hard and believe in yourself! 

• In order to play at the next level, you need to be able to listen and be coachable. Your teachers, parents, and coaches are only telling you things to help you and not hurt you. Be able to take what they’re saying and apply it to your life.  Also don’t depend on sports to be the only way to make a living or to provide for you and your family. If you have a backup plan and you are just as serious about that as you are playing your sport, it will take a lot of pressure off.  You will be able to play freely, and you’ll see yourself excel. Ultimately, have fun doing what you love doing, outwork everyone else and everything else will follow. 

• First and foremost being a student-athlete begins with the classroom. If you aren’t taking care of business there then the athletic side doesn’t even matter. One day the sun will set on your athletic career, and you will be left with your degree and your mind. Use the sport - don’t let the sport use you! With that being said, to excel at a high level athletically begins with sacrifice.  It’s very easy to be average, that doesn’t take much work or effort. In order to separate yourself from the pack, you will have to choose to do the little things that others aren’t willing to do. The extra hours on the field and in the film room, not being able to go out every night with the crew, getting the rest you need each night, eating healthy, never settling for just enough and going above and beyond is what is required. Think to yourself in the moments that you are alone about what the story of your life looks like. Is integrity woven within every decision you’re making, and if you have character rather than being a character. Talent might get you in the room, but your character will keep you there. Lastly, understand what a gift it is to be able to play college athletics. This will be one of the greatest times in your life where you will build relationships with teammates and coaches that will last for a lifetime. Enjoy each and every moment, wake up with purpose and attack it like it’s your last.