A Student-Athlete’s Journey: From Overwhelmed to Champion at Stanford

For Meredith Kalinowski, balancing life as a Division I lacrosse player and a student at one of the world’s most prestigious universities was a daily challenge. Here, she shares her story of navigating the pressure, overcoming self-doubt, and finding success both on and off the field.

Coming to Stanford, I was excited to be in a competitive environment where I would be challenged every day. The reality, however, was overwhelming. My four years as a varsity student-athlete threw just about every possible challenge my way, forcing me to balance premier academics with top-tier athletics. But if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.

I was lucky to be welcomed into the Stanford Women’s Lacrosse family. My teammates were a huge help in guiding me through the transition to college life, which for any eighteen-year-old is tough enough. Adding a full class schedule, a rigorous athletic program, and a new team culture only made things more difficult. The support system for student-athletes at Stanford is fantastic, and it’s a big part of what makes being in the Stanford Athletics community so special.

Early on, one of the defining features of my experience was the constant presence of excellence. Everywhere I looked, I saw extraordinary peers, and it was intimidating. I began to doubt myself, wondering how my athletic accomplishments could possibly measure up to the business owner down the hall or the sixteen-year-old pre-med major. What I had worked so hard for suddenly felt underwhelming and mediocre.

I struggled through my first year both academically and athletically. I was no longer the best player on the team and had to relearn how to be a part of a new system. This shook my confidence on the field and in the classroom. Subjects that had been easy in high school no longer came naturally to me. I still remember the feeling of sweat dripping down my back as my hands shook, flipping through the pages of my first exam, wondering if I was in the right class.

After a while, I realized I was taking classes I thought I should take, not ones that genuinely interested me. Once I changed my mindset and started choosing courses I was intellectually curious about, everything changed. I genuinely enjoyed going to class, and my grades improved. Less stress in the classroom helped me succeed in my sport, and by my senior year, I was proud to become one of the team captains.

Learning to coordinate our team’s travel schedule with my professors was an important skill, and it was gratifying to see that most professors were accommodating. This helped me realize that my athletic pursuits were valuable and that the university respected my commitment to both. Being a Stanford student-athlete requires discipline, time management, teamwork, and pride in representing the university. I was able to play the sport I love while getting an elite education and developing essential life skills.

My experience at Stanford shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today, and I am proud to be an alumna. Go Card!