What I Wish I Knew: Lessons from a Division I Swimmer

Starting a student-athlete journey is an exciting new chapter, but it comes with challenges no one can fully prepare you for. Helena Robla, a Division I swimmer at Northern Arizona University, reflects on her four years as a college athlete and shares the wisdom she gained along the way. Her advice is especially valuable for international student-athletes navigating the complexities of a new country and a demanding schedule.

Robla’s biggest takeaway is that there are things you simply can’t learn until you’re in the thick of it. Over the course of her four years, she discovered that the experience, while incredibly rewarding, required a level of mental fortitude and preparation she hadn’t anticipated. Her insights are a roadmap for a smoother journey, helping to avoid some of the common mistakes and frustrations faced by college athletes.

Her advice covers topics such as managing the balance between academics and athletics, handling the emotional and physical demands of the sport, and adapting to life in a new country. She also shares lessons on how to deal with the inevitable pressures from coaches, teammates, and yourself. By sharing her personal story, Robla provides a candid look at the realities of the student-athlete experience, offering a sense of community and support to others on a similar path.