Balancing the demands of college athletics and academics can be a significant challenge for many student-athletes.
Three football players—redshirt senior linebacker Kylin White, redshirt junior quarterback Christian Arceneaux and redshirt sophomore defensive back Brailon Raymond—shared their insights on managing both responsibilities.
For White, a native of Boutte, adjusting to college life meant learning to manage his own schedule.
“When I first got into college, it was hard learning to create my own schedule, unlike high school, where it was already laid out for me,” White said. “In the beginning of my career, I didn’t prioritize my time well, but later on, I learned to stay ahead of my academics and do assignments ahead of time.”
White said the physical toll of practice is a major hurdle.
“Coming from practice, knowing you’re tired, it’s hard to find the energy to want to do work,” White said.
He credits his friends and campus tutoring services for helping him stay on track academically.
Christian Arceneaux, a quarterback from Bourg, emphasized the importance of routine.
“Balancing these two can be tough, but with a set routine, it becomes like second nature,” he said.
His typical day includes practice in the morning, classes, weight training and study hall.
“Even when I don’t have work due that day, I try my best to stay on top and get ahead of my future work when I have free time.”
Arceneaux described the pressure of limited downtime.
“As a student-athlete, especially as a QB, you don’t have much time off. If you’re not watching film, game planning or spending time with teammates, you are studying or doing homework,” he said.
He praised his family for their unwavering support.
“No matter what happens on the field or in the classroom, they truly understand what it takes to be a student-athlete and support me no matter the outcomes.”
For Raymond, a defensive back from New Iberia, time management is key.
“I make sure I complete my assignments first,” he said. “I normally wake up and pray, then stretch before practice and after,” Raymond said.
Watching film and stretching are important parts of his routine.
He noted the difficulty of adjusting to college-level play.
“It’s hard not getting much playing time. Making that transition from high school to college is no joke,” he said. “But I’ve learned to put my head down and keep working for my chance.”
Raymond relies on the support of friends and family to help him persevere.
These athletes demonstrate that balancing academics and athletics requires discipline, routine and a strong support system. All of which are key ingredients to succeeding on and off the field.
